Joseph McCluskey, 91; Olympian and Record Title-Winning Runner

Joseph McCluskey, 91, the bronze medalist in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles who held a record 24 national running titles, died Saturday at his home in Madison, Conn., of causes associated with aging.

In 1932, McCluskey captured the Olympic bronze medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, a 7 1/2-lap race that requires a runner to leap over water and three other hurdles every lap.

At the time, he was a junior and track star at Fordham University. McCluskey also competed in the 1936 Olympics and qualified for the 1940 Games that were canceled because of World War II.

Between 1930 and 1948, running mostly under the banner of the New York Athletic Club, McCluskey earned his titles in track and road events ranging from 3,000-meter steeplechases to 15-kilometer runs. He earned more than 100 trophies and 500 medals, coached track for the New York Athletic Club, and competed in masters events until he was 85.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, McCluskey became a stockbroker. He was elected to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, and to the Fordham and N.Y. Athletic Club halls of fame.