Payton Jordan

Masters Sprinter, Track Coach

Payton Jordan (March 19, 1917 – February 5, 2009) was the head coach of the 1968 United States Olympic track and field team, one of the most powerful track teams ever assembled, which won a record twenty-four medals, including twelve golds.

He was born in Whittier, California.Jordan was exceedingly successful as a collegiate track coach for a decade at Occidental College and for 23 years at Stanford University.

A star three-sport athlete in his youth, Jordan more recently became one of the most dominant track athletes of all time, as a sprinter, in senior divisions (age 50 and over).

Jordan died of cancer at his home in Laguna Hills, California on February 5, 2009.