On April 9th, 2021, the world of athletics mourned the loss of Ralph Boston, one of the greatest long jumpers in history. Boston, who was 83 years old, passed away peacefully in his home in Jackson, Mississippi.
Ralph Boston was born in 1937 in Laurel, Mississippi. He began his athletic career at Tennessee State University, where he set a new NCAA long jump record in 1959. He went on to compete in the 1960 and 1964 Olympics, winning the gold medal in the long jump at the 1960 games in Rome. He also set a new Olympic record with a jump of 8.12 meters.
Boston continued to compete in long jump events throughout the 1960s and 1970s, setting a new world record of 8.35 meters in 1965. He held this record for five years, until it was broken by Bob Beamon in 1968. Boston was also the first African-American to break the 8-meter barrier in long jump.
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Boston was an active member of the civil rights movement. He was a vocal advocate for equal rights and worked with organizations such as the NAACP to fight for racial justice.
Ralph Boston will be remembered as one of the greatest long jumpers of all time. His Olympic gold medal and world record will stand as a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport. He will also be remembered for his commitment to civil rights and social justice. His legacy will live on for generations to come.
