Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Loses Track Great Jim Bolding
August 03, 2011 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
Aug. 3, 2011
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma State family suffered a loss this week as track and field standout Jim Bolding died Sunday morning in Stillwater after battling a long illness. Services are scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. at Countryside Baptist Church in Stillwater.
A hurdler who competed at OSU from 1969-72, Bolding finished his career with a long list of accomplishments few have matched.
Bolding holds the world record for the 440-yard intermediate hurdles, was the U.S. Olympic Committee's Sportsman of the Year and the U.S. male track athlete of the year in 1974, and placed fourth in the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials. His 400-meter hurdles time of 48.55 in 1975 still ranks among the top times ever run in the event.
His list of collegiate accomplishments includes two All-America honors, seven Big Eight titles, the Big Eight Outdoor Athlete of the Year in 1971, the Big Eight Indoor Athlete of the Year in 1972 and the 1972 OSU Athlete of the Year.
He was a triple crown winner in 1972 in intermediate hurdles at the Texas, Kansas and Drake Relays, as well as the AAU national champion in 1973 and 1974. In 1972, he won the British, French and American national championships.
Bolding also made the 1976 U.S. Olympic team, but was unable to participate due to an injury. He served as Oklahoma State's track and field coach from 1985-88, replacing his former coach, Ralph Tate.
Bolding holds the OSU school record in the 440-yard hurdles with a time of 49.5 seconds, set in 1972.
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame has scheduled to induct Bolding on Aug. 16. He will now be inducted posthumously.
