Bob Gutowski
Encyclopedia
Robert Allen "Bob" Gutowski (25 April 1935 - 3 August 1960) was an American
athlete who competed mainly in the Pole Vault. He competed for the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympics
held in Melbourne
, Australia
in the Pole Vault where he won the silver medal behind Bob Richards
' second consecutive gold medal, after finishing fourth in the US Olympic Trials
and only getting to the games on the withdrawal of Jim Graham.
He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles where he won the NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship
s in 1956 (tied) and 1957. He set the World Record in the pole vault on April 27, 1957. Later in 1957 he cleared the highest height ever cleared with a "straight" pole at 15'9.75" though that mark was never ratified as a World Record because the pole passed under the bar.
He was killed in a car accident at Camp Pendleton on 3 August 1960 while a member of the Marine Corps
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
athlete who competed mainly in the Pole Vault. He competed for the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympics
1956 Summer Olympics
The 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, which could not be held in Australia due to quarantine regulations...
held in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
in the Pole Vault where he won the silver medal behind Bob Richards
Bob Richards
The Reverend Robert Eugene Richards, known as Bob Richards , known as the "Vaulting Vicar" or the "Pole Vaulting Parson" in his competitive days, was a versatile athlete who made three Olympic teams in two events...
' second consecutive gold medal, after finishing fourth in the US Olympic Trials
United States Olympic Trials (track and field)
The United States Olympic Trials for the sport of Track and Field is the quadrennial meet to select the United States representatives at the Olympic Games. Since 1992, the meet has also served as the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Because of the depth of competition in some events,...
and only getting to the games on the withdrawal of Jim Graham.
He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles where he won the NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship
NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship
The NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship is an annual collegiate outdoor track and field competition for men organised by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It has three divisions: Division I, II, and III. Athlete's individual performances earn points for their institution and...
s in 1956 (tied) and 1957. He set the World Record in the pole vault on April 27, 1957. Later in 1957 he cleared the highest height ever cleared with a "straight" pole at 15'9.75" though that mark was never ratified as a World Record because the pole passed under the bar.
He was killed in a car accident at Camp Pendleton on 3 August 1960 while a member of the Marine Corps
Marine corps
A marine is a member of a force that specializes in expeditionary operations such as amphibious assault and occupation. The marines traditionally have strong links with the country's navy...
.