Martin McGrady (April 20, 1946 in Akron, Ohio – April 29, 2006)[1] was an American track and field athlete known primarily for running the now obsolete indoor 600 yard dash. Before Eamonn Coghlan, McGrady held the title of "Chairman of the Boards."[2] Sports Illustrated said "Martin McGrady doesn't run the 600, he owns it."[3] Running standard Olympic distances, McGrady "barely earned a footnote" but at the Imperial distance indoors, he was legendary.[4] The race at the 1970 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships where he set the World Record of 1:07.6 in the event is regarded as the best indoor race and the number 7 track and field competition of the 20th century.[5] McGrady's record stood for 22 years until it was finally beaten by Mark Everett.[6]

By running the odd distance, McGrady did not face softer competition. Reigning Olympic Champions/World Record holders Ralph Doubell (800 m) and Lee Evans (400 m) wanted the good race against McGrady.[7][8] The racing rivalry between Evans and McGrady is still remembered. They are pictured at the finish of a 600 on the cover of the March 1968 issue of Track and Field News, of course with McGrady taking the victory over a leaning Evans and Jim Kemp.[9] McGrady won three straight National championships[10] and had three straight victories at the prestigious Millrose Games.

McGrady attended Garfield High School in Akron and studied Medical Technology at Central State University, where he was coached by David Youngblade. He set the first of three world records in the 600 while at Central State, just a week before winning the 1966 NCAA Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships. He also tied the world record in the 500 metres.

On October 8, 2010, Youngblade had the honor to induct McGrady into the Central State University Hall of Fame.[11]

References

  1. ^ "Ohio's Winners at Indoor National Championships". Personal.bgsu.edu. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  2. ^ "Burly George Frenn, with an assist from his - 03.09.70 - SI Vault". 157.166.255.4. Archived from the original on 3 July 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  3. ^ "CNN Sports provided by Bleacher Report - CNN.com". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  4. ^ "Track & Field News • View topic - Martin McGrady - Lee Evans". mb.trackandfieldnews.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  5. ^ "ESPN.com - MORESPORTS - Mills finishes on top -- again". Espn.go.com. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  6. ^ Wallace, William N. (1992-02-09). "TRACK AND FIELD - Unexpected Performances Steal Spotlight at Millrose". The New York Times. Retrieved 2017-03-06.
  7. ^ "CNN Sports provided by Bleacher Report". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  8. ^ "Sport: Ralph the Rapscallion". TIME.com. 23 February 1970. Archived from the original on October 30, 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  9. ^ "Past Covers 1968". Trackandfieldnews.com. Archived from the original on 2013-04-30. Retrieved 2013-04-30.
  10. ^ "USATF - Statistics - USA Indoor Track & Field Champions". www.usatf.org. Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  11. ^ "Central State University - Homecoming 2010". Facebook. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
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