1. Overview
Andrew William Stanfield (December 29, 1927 - June 15, 1985), widely known as Andy Stanfield, was a distinguished American sprinter and a prominent figure in track and field during the 1950s. An Olympic gold medalist and silver medalist, Stanfield achieved significant success in both domestic and international competitions, including setting a world record in the 200 meters. His athletic career, marked by numerous national titles and Olympic medals, established him as one of the leading sprinters of his era, contributing to America's strong presence in global athletics.
2. Life
Andrew William Stanfield's life was characterized by his early athletic promise, dedicated training, and significant achievements in track and field, which culminated in Olympic glory.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Born in Washington, D.C., Stanfield moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, as a child. He attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1946. During his high school years, Stanfield already demonstrated exceptional talent as an athlete, excelling particularly in the sprints and the long jump. Following his service in the army, Stanfield enrolled at Seton Hall University in 1948. At Seton Hall, he was coached by Johnny Gibson, a notable former world record holder in the 400 metres hurdles. Gibson's guidance played a crucial role in shaping Stanfield's collegiate and early professional career.
2.2. Early Career
Stanfield's athletic prowess quickly became evident after he began his studies at Seton Hall University in 1948. The following year, in 1949, he secured his first of many national titles. This early success marked the beginning of a highly decorated career in track and field, where he would go on to win multiple championships at both collegiate and national levels. His initial victories laid the groundwork for his later international achievements.
3. Major Activities and Achievements
Andy Stanfield's career was defined by his exceptional performance in track and field, particularly in sprint events, where he consistently achieved top honors and set new records.
3.1. Athletics Career
Stanfield's athletics career was highlighted by his dominance in sprint events, especially the 200 meters, where he became a world record holder and an Olympic champion. His consistent performance in various domestic and international competitions solidified his reputation as one of the premier sprinters of his time.
3.1.1. Domestic Competitions
Stanfield amassed an impressive collection of titles in domestic track and field competitions. He secured six AAU titles, including victories in the 100 meters and 200 meters in 1949, the 60 yards in 1950, the long jump in 1951, the 200 meters again in 1952, and the 220 yards in 1953. Additionally, he earned nine IC4A titles, demonstrating his versatility and consistent excellence in both indoor and outdoor events throughout his collegiate and early professional career.
3.1.2. World Record
In 1951, Andy Stanfield achieved a significant milestone by setting a new world record in the 200 meters. At the ICAAAA Championships, he won the Turn 220-Yard Dash in 20.6 seconds. The "Turn-220" event, run on a curved track, was not commonly contested in the United States, where 220-yard races were typically held on "NoTurn" or "Straight" courses. The IAAF had only recently begun establishing world records for the Turn-200-Meters, with the initial recognized record being 21.2 seconds set by Willie Applegarth in 1914. Stanfield's 20.6-second performance in the intercollegiate 220-yard dash was subsequently recognized by the IAAF as a new world record for the 200 meters, as 220 yards is slightly longer than 200 meters.
Prior to this, there had been no official world record for the Turn-220, though several notable American performances existed. Ralph Metcalfe was generally credited with an American record of 21.0 seconds set in Berlin in 1933. In 1936, Jack Wierhauser of Stanford University clocked 20.9 seconds at a U.S. Olympic Trials event at Randalls Island. Jesse Owens recorded 20.7 seconds at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, though with wind assistance. Barney Ewell achieved what was likely an AAU record of 21.1 seconds in 1939 on a partial bend course in Lincoln, Nebraska, but this course was not well-delineated. At the 1948 U.S. Olympic Trials, Mel Patton and Barney Ewell both clocked 20.7 seconds. None of these were ratified as world records because the IAAF had not yet distinguished between records set on a turn versus on a straight track. Stanfield would later equal his 20.6-second world record performance twice more, in 1952 and 1956. The 1956 performance occurred at the AAU Championships, where he finished second to Thane Baker.
3.1.3. Olympics
Andy Stanfield competed in two Summer Olympics, earning multiple medals and solidifying his status as an elite international sprinter.
4. Personal Life
Beyond his athletic achievements, Andy Stanfield was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans. This affiliation highlights his connection to a significant social and cultural organization.
5. Death
Andrew William Stanfield passed away on June 15, 1985.
6. Assessment and Recognition
Andy Stanfield's remarkable athletic career has been widely recognized for his contributions to American track and field. His achievements, including multiple national titles, a world record, and three Olympic medals, solidified his legacy as one of the sport's greats. For his outstanding accomplishments and impact on the sport, Stanfield was inducted into the USATF Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence and place in the history of American athletics.