Renaldo Nehemiah
World Record Holder, 110 Meter Hurdles
"Skeets" dominated the hurdles in the late 1970's and early 1980's, but the Carter-led boycott and Nehemiah's decision to turn to the N.F.L. kept Nehemiah from ever competing in the Olympics. Nehemiah won the World Cup in 1979 and 1981, and was ranked number one in the world four straight years (1978-'81). In 1982, Nehemiah having set the world record at 12.93 the previous year, decided to give pro football a try. He joined the 49ers and was a member of a Super Bowl champion. In 1986 he decided to return to track, but the years in football had taken a physical toll. He climbed back to rank 10th in the world in 1988, but he failed to make the Olympic team. He had more success ranking fourth in the world in 1989 and '91. He qualified for the 1991 World Championship team, but was unable to compete due to injury.
| EVENT |
PLACE |
POINTS |
MONEY |
EVENT WINS |
| 1981 Preliminary 2 |
2 |
24 |
$7,400 |
Half Mile Run |
| 1981 Final |
1 |
33 |
$34,900 |
Bowling, Half Mile Run |
| 1981 Worlds |
8 |
19 |
$5,700 |
Obstacle Course |
| 1982 Preliminary 1 |
10 |
1 |
$1,000 |
None |
| 1982 Final |
1 |
43 |
$37,900 |
Golf, Bike Race, Obstacle Course |
| 1982 Worlds |
6 |
23 |
$8,900 |
None |
| 1983 Final |
1 |
47 |
$19,700 |
Tennis, Bike Race, Half Mile Run, Obstacle Course |
| 1986 Preliminary 1 |
2 |
36 |
$8,600 |
Tennis |
| 1986 Final |
1 |
33 |
$18,300 |
Bike Race, Obstacle Course |
| 1988 Preliminary 2 |
3 |
38 |
$6,300 |
Swimming, Bowling, Bike Race |
| 1988 Final |
2 |
29 |
$12,900 |
Tennis, Bike Race |
| 1991 Preliminary 2 |
1 |
30 |
$13,000 |
Bike Race, Obstacle Course |
| 1991 Final |
4 |
22 |
$2,200 |
Bike Race |
| TOTALS |
378 |
$176,500 |
22 |