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Back to Athlete Bios
Athlete Bio

Percy Beard

Basic Information

Status: Hall of Fame Gender: Male Date of Birth: 1/26/1908

Athletics Information

Event: Outdoor Track & Field Coach: Wilbur Hutsell Agent: N/A Club: New York Athletic Club

Residences

Hometown: Hardinsburg, KY College: Auburn University

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Athlete Profile

An outstanding track and field athlete and coach, Percy Beard was a world-class hurdler with both Auburn University and the New York A.C. He set a world record of 14.2 in the 120-yard high hurdles in 1931 and tied the record in 1934. A seven-time National AAU high hurdles champion, Beard was the silver medalist at the 1932 Olympic Games, finishing second to George Sailing of the U.S. after hitting the sixth hurdle. While at Auburn, Beard's coach was Wilbur Hutsell, also a Hall of Fame enshrine. Beard later became an outstanding coach at the University of Florida from 1937 to 1964. He used his civil engineering education to become a pioneer in the development of all-weather tracks.

Records Held

World Record: 110 m hurdles - 14.20 (August 6, 1934 - )

Championships

1932 Olympics: (2nd)

Occupations

Coach

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