Pittsburgh native Herb Douglas, oldest living US Olympian, dies at 101

Herbert "Herb" Douglas Jr., the oldest living U.S. Olympic medalist and a University of Pittsburgh sports icon, died Saturday. He was 101.Douglas was the first Black basketball player at Pittsburgh's Allderdice High School. He was also among Pitt's first Black football players. He won a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1948 London Games.A member of the track team, Douglas won four intercollegiate championships in the long jump and one in the 100-yard dash. He additionally captured three national Amateur Athletic Union championships in the long jump.He graduated from Pitt with a degree in physical education.“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,” Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said in a statement. “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."“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,” said Heather Lyke, Pitt's director of athletics.In 2022, Pitt announced the 300-meter indoor track at the planned Victory Heights facility would be named after Douglas."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,” Lyke said.Funeral arrangements have not been announced.