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

Don Bowden

2008 Hall of Fame Inductee

Basic Information

  • Gender: Male
  • Born: 8/8/1936
  • Status: Hall of Fame

Residences

  • Hometown: San Jose, California
  • High School: Lincoln HS (San Jose, California), 1954
  • College: University of California, Berkeley

Athlete Info

  • Event: Outdoor Track & Field
  • Agent: N/A

Follow Me

A 1956 Olympian at 1,500 meters, Don Bowden is best known for being the first American ever to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile. Bowden became the U.S. mile record holder when he ran 3:58.7 in Stockton, California., on June 1, 1957, which made him the first American to break 4:00. The 1957 NCAA Outdoor 880y champion, Bowden was world ranked #3 in the 800 meters by Track & Field News in 1957. He also ran the third leg (1:49.5) for the University of California quartet that set the 4x880y relay world record of 7:21.0 in Los Angeles on May 24, 1957. After college he helped develop the Tartan track, the first artificial running surface.

Records Held
World Record: 3,520m relay - 7:21.00 (May 16, 1958)
American Record: 1 mi. - 3:58.70 (June 1, 1957)

Championships
1957 NCAA Outdoor Championships: 880 yd. - 1:47.20 (1st)

Occupations
Employee of Allied Chemical/ Developed the first synthetic track surface


 

Our Sport. Our team. Our journey. Join our team. Become a USATF Member today

  • Join Today

Official Sponsors

Official Suppliers

Official Technology Partners

  • Contact Us
  • About USATF
  • Governance
  • Media Center
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Copyright 2023 USA Track & Field  Privacy Policy  Website Terms of Use  Ad Choices