George Young's first major breakthrough came during his senior year at the University of Arizona when he first took up the 3000m steeplechase. Despite his inexperience at the event, he finished second at the National AAU championship and a year later, qualified for the first of his four Olympic teams. At the Rome Olympics, Young tripped over a hurdle and failed to make the final. However, a year later, he set the first of his six American records when he ran 8:31.0 in the steeplechase. In 1964, Young improved to fifth in the event at the Tokyo Olympics. Four years later, he won the bronze medal and also competed in the marathon, placing 16th. Earlier in 1968, he improved the American record in the steeplechase to 8:30.6 and set a second record in the 2 miles, running 8:22.0 to defeat world record-holder Rom Clarke of Australia. The following year, Young set world indoor records for the 2 mile (8:27.2) and 3 mile (13:09.8). In 1972, he competed in his fourth Olympic Games, but was eliminated in the 5000m prelims. During his career, he won seven national AAU titles ranging from the steeplechase to the marathon. He later became a schoolteacher and coach in Arizona.
World Record: 3 mi. - 13:10 American Record: 3,000 m steeplechase - 8:30.60 American Record: 2 mi. - 8:22
1964 Olympics: 3,000 m steeplechase (5th) 1968 Olympics: 3,000 m steeplechase (3rd) 1968 Olympics: marathon (16th) 1959 AAU: 3,000 m steeplechase (2nd)
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