HALL OF FAME: ALBERTO JUANTORENA

In 1972 Munich Olympics, Alberto Juantorena was narrowly eliminated in the semifinals of the 400m after only one year switched to athletics from basketball. He was unbeaten over the next two years and wins the World University Games in 1973 in 400.

After two foot operations, he emerged as the favorite for the 1976 Olympics. Before that event was contested, Juantorena, who was known as El Caballo (The Horse) because of his three-metre strides, entered the 800m. Although he had recorded the second fastest time of the pre-Olympic season, Juantorena had little experience in the more tactical 800m.

In the Olympic final, he led throughout most of the race and, surprisingly, scored a decisive victory. Three days later, he powered past Fred Newhouse in the last twenty metres of the 400 final and won his second gold medal.

Juantorena is the only runner in Olympic history to achieve a 400/800 double victory. He was also the first runner from a non-English speaking country to won either event.