Edwin Moses: The Hurdling Legend and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Introduction:-
Edwin Moses is a retired American track and field athlete who is considered one of the greatest hurdle racers of all time. He won two Olympic gold medals in the 400m hurdles and held the world record in the event for nearly a decade. He is also known for his unique style of hurdling, which featured a distinctive high knee lift.
Early Life and Career.
Moses was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1955. He began running track in high school and quickly showed a talent for hurdles. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he continued to excel in the event. In 1977, he set a new world record in the 400m hurdles with a time of 47.02 seconds.
Rise to Fame.
Moses' success in college led to his selection for the 1976 Olympic team, but he was unable to compete due to the U.S. boycott of the games. He used this disappointment as motivation and went on to dominate the event for the next decade. He won his first Olympic gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, setting a new Olympic record in the process. He also won the gold medal in the same event at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, becoming the first person to win consecutive Olympic titles in the event since 1908.
Between 1977 and 1987, Moses won 122 consecutive races in the 400m hurdles, a record that still stands today. He also held the world record in the event for nine years, from 1977 to 1986.
Unique Hurdling Style.
Moses was known for his unique style of hurdling, which featured a high knee lift and a long, fluid stride. This style, which was dubbed the "Moses Crouch," was designed to maximize his speed and efficiency over the hurdles. It was highly effective, and many aspiring hurdlers tried to emulate it.
Retirement and Legacy.
Moses retired from competitive running in 1991 and has since been involved in various sports-related and humanitarian endeavors. He served as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under President Bill Clinton and as an International Olympic Committee member. He also established the Edwin Moses Foundation, which focuses on youth development and education.
As of 2021, Moses' name still appears in the top searched athletes on Google, he is widely considered one of the greatest hurdle racers of all time and his world record of 122 consecutive wins in the 400m hurdles still stands today. He is an inspiration to many athletes and his legacy will always be remembered in the sports community.
Conclusion:-
Edwin Moses is a true legend of track and field. His incredible talent, dedication, and unique style of hurdling made him one of the greatest athletes of his time. His two Olympic gold medals, world record, and consecutive wins in the 400m hurdles are a testament to his greatness. His impact on the sport of hurdles and on the sports community will be felt for many years to come.