Dwight Stones
Two-time Olympic bronze medalist in the high jump
As an 18 year old, Stones surprised many by winning the bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics. By 1976, he was the favorite and world record holder at 7' 7". Wet conditions hindered his performance and he finished third again. Four days later, in Philadelphia, Stones broke his own world record with a jump of 7' 7 1/4". He was thrust into controversy when he competed in the Superstars and refused to turn his winnings over to the A.A.U. This led to his suspension, but it also led to the eventual professionalism of track and field. By the time that Renaldo Nehimiah and Edwin Moses were winning money three years later, trust funds were established that allowed athletes to draw money for living and training expenses. Stones was eligible again for the 1984 Olympics, and he went into the games as a dark horse by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials with an American record leap of 7' 8". He failed to win his third medal, finishing fourth. Stones remains very visible as an expert commentator on virtually every televised track and field meet.
| EVENT |
PLACE |
POINTS |
MONEY |
EVENT WINS |
| 1978 Preliminary ? |
? |
? |
? |
? |
| 1978 Final |
2 |
32 |
$22,100 |
Tennis, Swimming, Obstacle Course |
| 1978 Worlds |
9 |
12 |
$3,600 |
Obstacle Course |
| 1979 Preliminary ? |
1 |
49 |
$14,900 |
Swimming, Half Mile Run, Rowing, Obstacle Course |
| 1979 Final |
5 |
23 |
$6,900 |
Half Mile Run |
| TOTALS |
116 |
$47,500 |
9 |