Forrest Towns, American hurdler and coach (b. 1914)

The Enduring Legacy of Forrest Grady "Spec" Towns: An Olympic Pioneer

Forrest Grady "Spec" Towns, born on February 6, 1914, and passing away on April 9, 1991, was a towering figure in American track and field, best remembered as the formidable 1936 Olympic champion in the 110-meter hurdles. His career was marked by incredible dominance, breaking the world record in his signature event not once, but three times, cementing his place in athletic history.

From Georgia Fields to Olympic Glory: A Serendipitous Start

Hailing from the heart of Georgia, Spec Towns' journey began in Fitzgerald before his family moved to Augusta, where he spent his formative years. During his high school days at Richmond Academy, he was a keen participant in football, showcasing his natural athleticism. A pivotal moment in his life occurred in 1933 when a sports journalist, witnessing Towns' impressive high-jumping prowess in his own backyard, recognized his raw talent. This chance encounter led to a football scholarship offer from the prestigious University of Georgia (UGA), a turning point that would eventually redirect his athletic focus towards the hurdles.

Mastering the Hurdles: A Streak of Unprecedented Dominance

Despite his initial scholarship for football and demonstrated ability in high jumping, Towns ultimately found his true calling in the high hurdles. His dedication to this technically demanding event quickly yielded remarkable results. In 1935, he swept the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) titles in the 120-yard hurdles, establishing himself as the nation's premier hurdler. This initial success ignited an astonishing 60-race winning streak, a testament to his consistent excellence and competitive spirit, which remarkably continued until 1937.

The Pinnacle: Berlin 1936 and a Historic Gold

The year 1936 marked the zenith of Towns' athletic career as he earned a coveted spot on the American Olympic team, making history as the very first Georgian to achieve this honor. The stage was the politically charged Berlin Olympics, where Towns delivered a performance that captivated the world. During the Games, he shattered the existing world record in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking an incredible 14.1 seconds. He then followed this feat by winning the Olympic gold medal in the final with a time of 14.2 seconds, becoming the first Georgian ever to stand atop the Olympic podium. His Olympic triumph was not just a personal victory but a source of immense pride for his home state.

A Record That Stood the Test of Time

Towns' record-breaking spree didn't end in Berlin. Shortly after the Olympic Games, he continued to push the boundaries of human performance. At a memorable race in Oslo, Norway, he dramatically improved his own world record, becoming the first hurdler in history to run under 14 seconds, with an astounding time of 13.7 seconds. This remarkable achievement was so far ahead of its time that the record remained untouched for an incredible 13 years, finally being surpassed in 1950. It was a testament to his revolutionary technique and unparalleled speed.

A Lifelong Commitment to the University of Georgia

Following his illustrious athletic career, Spec Towns transitioned seamlessly into coaching, dedicating his talents to his alma mater. He assumed the role of Head Track and Field Coach at the University of Georgia, a position he held with distinction for an impressive 39 years, from 1937 until his retirement in 1975. His long tenure at UGA underscored his profound commitment to developing young athletes and nurturing future generations of track stars.

Enduring Tributes and Community Impact

Spec Towns passed away from a heart attack on April 9, 1991, in Athens, Georgia, at the age of 77. His legacy, however, lives on vibrantly at the University of Georgia. The university proudly honors him with the naming of the "Spec Towns Track," where aspiring athletes continue to train and compete. Furthermore, the annual "Spec Towns Invitational" track meet serves as a lasting tribute to his monumental contributions to the sport and the institution. Beyond the university, Towns also played a significant role in Georgia's broader athletic community, notably serving as the official starter for the inaugural Peachtree Road Race on July 4, 1970, a beloved Atlanta tradition that has grown into one of the world's largest 10K events. His involvement added a touch of Olympic prestige to this nascent community race, forever linking his name with a cherished cultural event in his home state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spec Towns

Who was Forrest Grady "Spec" Towns?

Forrest Grady "Spec" Towns was an American track and field athlete renowned for his prowess in the 110-meter hurdles. He was an Olympic gold medalist and a multiple world record holder in the event, and later a long-serving coach at the University of Georgia.

What was Spec Towns' most significant athletic achievement?

His most significant achievement was winning the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He also famously broke the world record in the event three times, with his 13.7-second mark standing for 13 years.

How did Spec Towns begin his journey in track and field at the University of Georgia?

He initially received a football scholarship to the University of Georgia in 1933 after a sports journalist discovered his talent for high jumping in his backyard. He then specialized in the high hurdles, leading to his spectacular career.

What world records did Spec Towns set in the 110-meter hurdles?

Spec Towns broke the world record three times. He set a record of 14.1 seconds during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Shortly after the Games, in Oslo, he further improved it to an astonishing 13.7 seconds, becoming the first hurdler to run under 14 seconds, a record that would remain unbeaten until 1950.

What was Spec Towns' connection to the University of Georgia after his athletic career?

After his competitive career, Spec Towns became the Head Track and Field Coach at the University of Georgia. He held this position for nearly four decades, from 1937 until his retirement in 1975, leaving an indelible mark on the university's athletic program. The Spec Towns Track and the annual Spec Towns Invitational meet are named in his honor.

What is the significance of the Peachtree Road Race in Spec Towns' story?

Spec Towns served as the official starter for the very first Peachtree Road Race on July 4, 1970. This event has since grown into one of the largest 10K races in the world and his involvement connected an Olympic legend to a beloved Georgia tradition from its inception.