Larry James

American Olympic gold medallist sprinter. Born and died on the same day (6th of November). 

He clocked officially 44.1 (later, calculated as 44.19) world record in 400 metres on September 14, 1968. One month later, this mark passed by Lee Evans in Mexico City Olympics, where Larry Smith came second in the final. Both Smith and Evans have included another world-record breaking performance in 4x400 metres relay final, which was won by United States Team with 2:56.1 (corrected - 2:56.16) by huge gap over Kenya.

He won double gold medals in Universiade as Villanova University student. In 400 hurdles final, clocked personal best 50.2 secs.

After active career, he remained in athletics as a coach and team official.

Died at his home in New Jersey of colon cancer.

PERSONAL BESTS
400m: 43.97 in Mexico City 1968
400H: 50.2 in Torino 1970

TRIVIA
♦ Worked for 28 years as athletics director in Richard Stockton College, New Jersey.
♦ Inducted into US Track and Field National Hall of Fame. (2003)
♦ Graduated from Villanova University in business administration.