Olympian and world record setter to be honored at Bakersfield College during 2018 CCCAA Championships

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Olympian and the greatest high school athlete of all time, according to ESPN.com, and former world record holder Jim Ryun is coming to the 2018 CCCAA State Track and Field Championships on May 18 and 19, 2018 at Bakersfield College.

“We are going to honor Jim Ryun and his incredible achievements with something memorable,” Bakersfield College Track and Field Coach Pam Kelley said, “It’ll insure that his incredible world record in the mile that was set right here at BC will never be forgotten.”

Ryun was a sophomore running for Kansas State when he blew away the existing world record in the mile at Memorial Stadium with a blazing fast 3:51.1 mark on June 23, 1967.

“It was a national meet that former Athletic Director Gil Bishop organized. The stands were full, and June will mark the 50th Anniversary,” the coach added.

Kelley said Mr. Ryun will present the awards for the 1500, as the mile has been retired as an event.

College officials indicated that more festivities will be announced closer to the date but Kelley said the festivities couldn’t have happened at all without key help from two Renegades in particular.

“Trustee Bill Thomas and our irreplaceable Facilities and Scheduling whiz Mary Jo Pasek really carried the torch for this and didn’t rest until Mr. Ryun confirmed. This is a treat for our community and the greater track and field world, and I can’t thank them enough,” Kelley said.

(Courtesy Bakersfield College)