2018 Hall of Fame Inductee
Six times a global gold medalist and five times ranked No. 1 in the world, Dwight Phillips (Decatur, Georgia) dominated the long jump from 2003-11. During that span he won the Olympic title at Athens in 2004 to go with four World Outdoor golds ('03, '05, '09 and '11) and one World Indoors crown ('03). His five medals at the World Outdoors is the highest total in meet history in the men's long jump, as is his tally of seven finals made. Phillips won six U.S. indoor and outdoor titles and had nine jumps exceeding 28-feet in his career, topped by a 28-8¼ personal best to win the Prefontaine Classic in 2009. Also a talented sprinter, Phillips four times qualified for the USATF Championships indoors and outdoors, and he clocked personal bests of 6.47 for 60m in 2005 and 10.06 for 100m in 2009. He was an NCAA finalist in the long jump and triple jump for Arizona State, taking silver in the long jump indoors and outdoors in 2000. Following his retirement from competition, Phillips has continued to serve the sport through coaching and advocacy. Phillips was instrumental in drawing together a plan that would provide resources and two years of support from USATF for athletes graduating from college. Additionally, his proudest moment occurred during his time as Chairman of the USATF Athlete Advisory Committee, when he and fellow athletes worked closely with CEO Max Siegel to construct the Revenue Distribution Plan that would deliver $9 million in cash to athletes over a five year span.