Americans Mine Gold at a Dizzying Rate

It was and may still be the United States’ greatest gold medal spree at the Olympic Games.

In a 36-hour period beginning 43 years ago today, U.S. athletes won five gold medals at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, before crowds that at times exceeded 100,000.

First, Hal Connolly threw the hammer 207 feet 3 inches, an Olympic record.

Next, the U.S. swept the 400-meter hurdles--Glenn Davis first in a record 50.1 seconds, 18-year-old Eddie Southern second and Josh Culbreath third. At the Olympic trials at the Coliseum the previous June, Davis had set a world record of 49.5.

Then Bobby Morrow of Abilene Christian College won the 100-meter gold, narrowly beating Thane Baker at the tape. Morrow, running into a 9-mph win, clocked 10.5.

Then Greg Bell of Indiana leaped 25-8 1/4 for the long jump gold.

Lastly, it was the turn of Charles Dumas, the 19-year-old Compton College high jumper who had become history’s first 7-foot jumper the previous June 29 in Los Angeles.

The high jump competition began at 10 a.m. and didn’t finish until 7:25 p.m., when Dumas lifted his 6-1, 180-pound form over 6-11 1/2 to win it.

Dumas’ unorthodox training style was vindicated. To the consternation of team coaches, Dumas did almost no jumping in practice sessions before the high jump competition, preferring to do only stretching exercises.

Another gold medal was in the works. The U.S. basketball team, with Bill Russell playing only nine minutes, beat Thailand, 101-29. Halftime score: 54-12.

Also on this date: In 1960, the Dodgers’ Frank Howard was named National League rookie of the year, after a season in which he hit 23 home runs. . . . In 1996, UCLA rallied from 17 points down to beat USC, 48-41, in double-overtime at the Rose Bowl.