Willie Steele
Encyclopedia
William Samuel "Willie" Steele (July 14, 1923 - September 19, 1989) was an American
athlete who competed mainly in the long jump
. Steele competed for San Jose State College
, coached by Bud Winter in the early 1940's before enlisting to fight in World War II
.
He competed for the United States in the 1948 Summer Olympics
held in London
, Great Britain
in the long jump where he won the gold medal
.
In 2009, Willie Steele was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
athlete who competed mainly in the long jump
Long jump
The long jump is a track and field event in which athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in an attempt to leap as far as possible from a take off point...
. Steele competed for San Jose State College
San José State University
San Jose State University is a public university located in San Jose, California, United States...
, coached by Bud Winter in the early 1940's before enlisting to fight in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
He competed for the United States in the 1948 Summer Olympics
Athletics at the 1948 Summer Olympics
At the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, 33 athletics events were contested, 24 for men and 9 for women. Three events made their Olympic debut at these Games: women's 200 metres, women's long jump and women's shot put...
held in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
in the long jump where he won the gold medal
Gold medal
A gold medal is typically the medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture...
.
In 2009, Willie Steele was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.