USA Track & Field
  • Disciplines
  • Events
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • Associations
  • Safe Sport
  • USATF Fantasy Pick'Em
  • News
  • Membership
  • Clubs
  • Event Insurance / Sanctions
  • Shop
  • Watch
  • USATF Connect Login
Back to Athlete Bios
Athlete Bio

Charles Austin

Basic Information

Status: Hall of Fame Gender: Male Date of Birth: 12/19/1967

Athletics Information

Event: Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field Agent: N/A

Residences

Hometown: Van Vleck, Texas High School: Van Vleck High School College: Southwest Texas State

Follow This Athlete On:

Athlete Profile

5x

National champion

4x

National Indoor champion

2x

Golden League meeting winner

1x

Olympic champion

1x

World champion

1x

World Indoor champion

1x

World Indoor Championships Bronze medallist

1x

World (Continental) Cup winner

1x

NCAA champion

Current Accomplishments

Personal Best

Filter Results

High Jump

EventPerformance
EventHigh JumpPerformance2.40

High Jump Indoors

EventPerformance
EventHigh Jump IndoorsPerformance2.37

Charles Austin’s career began as a high school athlete who fell short of qualifying for the Texas high school state championships. It finished with an Olympic gold medal, world championship and American record. Austin became as dominant as a high jumper can be in the latter part of the 1990s by winning six consecutive USATF Outdoor championships from 1995-2000. But his proudest moment came when he won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, the last time a member of Team USA has done so.

His career was also one of longevity. When he won his last USATF Indoor championship in 2003, it was 12 years after his first world title and the year he set the American record (2.40m/7-10.5). Austin’s career also included World Indoor gold, a World Cup title, an Olympic record and a total of nine combined USA Indoor and Outdoor titles.

Records Held

  • Olympic Record: High Jump - 2.39m (July 28, 1996 - )
  • American Record: High Jump - 2.40m (August 7, 1991 - )

Championships

  • 1992 Olympic Games: High Jump - 2.28m (8th)
  • 1996 Olympic Games: High Jump - 2.39m (1st)
  • 1991 World Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.38m (1st)
  • 1993 World Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.24m (9th)
  • 1997 World Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.35m (1st)
  • 1998 World Athletics Final: High Jump - 2.28m (3rd)
  • 1999 World Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.33m (3rd)
  • 1999 World Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.29m (8th)
  • 2001 World Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.20m (11th)
  • 2001 World Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.20m (10th)
  • 2003 World Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.20m (10th)
  • 1995 USA Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.30m (1st)
  • 1996 USA Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.37m (1st)
  • 1996 USA Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.30m (1st)
  • 1997 USA Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.31m (1st)
  • 1997 USA Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.31m (1st)
  • 1998 USA Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.30m (1st)
  • 1999 USA Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.28m (1st)
  • 2000 USA Outdoor Championships: High Jump - 2.32m (1st)
  • 2003 USA Indoor Championships: High Jump - 2.31m (1st)

Help Develop our Nation’s Best and Grow the Sport.Become a USATF Member today

  • Join Today

Official Sponsors

Official Suppliers

Official Technology Partners

Official Medical Network Partner

  • Contact Us
  • About USATF
  • Governance
  • Media Center
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Copyright 2025 USA Track & Field  Privacy Policy  Website Terms of Use  Ad Choices