Herbert Douglas, a Pitt alumnus and the oldest-living Olympic medalist from the United States, died Saturday at the age of 101, the University of Pittsburgh announced Monday.
A native of Hazelwood, the Taylor Allderdice High School product would go on to place second in the Olympic trials in the long jump in 1948, before earning a bronze medal in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London with a jump of 24 feet, 8.75 inches.
Douglas served on the university's board of trustees and was later named an emeritus trustee.
“In every role that he filled, as an aspiring athlete from Hazelwood, as a student-athlete and University trustee and as an esteemed businessman, Olympian and community leader, Herb Douglas excelled,” University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said in a release. “He was both a champion himself and a champion of others, never hesitating to open doors of opportunity and help people pursue their own success. Unsurprisingly, Herb left an indelible mark on this world, while leaving an incomprehensible hole in the hearts of so many. I am proud to have called him my friend, and Karen and I will be keeping his family and circle of loved ones close in thought as we begin to honor his remarkable life and legacy.”
Douglas established himself as a star athlete in Pittsburgh by winning city championships in tumbling, sprinting, and in basketball while earning state titles in track and field. He was the first Black basketball player at Taylor Allderdice but left the team in 1940 because his team would not pass him the ball. He eventually earned a track scholarship to Xavier University in Louisiana and, in 1942, Douglas was part of the Xavier 440 relay team which made the school the first Historically Black College and University to win a national title.
“Herb Douglas led a remarkable life that inspired people the world over. Whether it was as an Olympic medalist, accomplished business executive or personal mentor, Herb impacted and was loved by so many. That is certainly the case at the University of Pittsburgh, where his life and legacy are truly enduring,” Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said in a statement. “On a personal note, one of the greatest blessings for me here has been getting to know Herb and listening to the stories he shared and lessons he taught me. His incredible intellect and determination were only surpassed by his personal kindness. Pitt Athletics is forever indebted to his passion and support. It is so fitting that our future indoor track will be named in Herb’s honor, ensuring his name and legacy live on to inspire future Pitt student-athletes.”
Douglas' largest influence was Jesse Owens, who Douglas met when he was 14. In 1980, Douglas founded the International Amateur Athletic Association to honor Owens, and he established the Jesse Owens Global Award for Peace, which draws in sports to address social issues.
He transferred to Pitt in 1945 and played football while running on the track team from 1945 to 1948. He earned four intercollegiate championships in the long jump and an additional one in the 100-yard dash. He also won three national Amateur Athletic Union championships in the long jump.
He graduated from Pitt in 1950 with a Masters in education but worked to become Vice President at Schieffelin and Co. in Philadelphia.
In 2013, Pitt Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg presented Douglas with the Chancellor’s Medal, one of the most prestigious honors awarded by the University given to recipients who "have left a mark on the proud traditions, values and character inherent in the University of Pittsburgh."
Douglas is survived by his wife Minerva Douglas, daughter Barbara Joy Ralston of Copenhagen, Denmark; daughter-in-law Susan Douglas of Richmond, Va.; four grandchildren, Tracy Douglas of Richmond, Va., Christopher Douglas of Aldie, Va., Mikel Christianson of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Anja Besnik of Vienna, Austria; and great-grandchildren, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
