Harvey Glance

1.1. Birth and family

Harvey Edward Glance was born on March 28, 1957, in Phenix City, Alabama. He was the son of Wheeler and Ella Glance, who raised him in his hometown.

1.2. Education and early influences

Glance attended Central High School in Phenix City, where his exceptional talent in track and field was recognized and nurtured by his coach, Joe Henderson. After high school, he continued his education at Auburn University, where he earned a degree in Health & Human Performance. Even during his time as an athlete, Glance displayed an early inclination towards coaching, volunteering his time in Arizona.

2.1. Early achievements and record-breaking

While still a student at Auburn University, Glance quickly made a name for himself in collegiate athletics. He won the NCAA 100 metres championships in both 1976 and 1977, demonstrating his dominance in the sprint event. Additionally, he secured the NCAA 200 metres championship in 1976. That same year, Glance achieved a remarkable feat by equaling the then 100m world record of 9.9 seconds on two separate occasions: first on April 3 in Columbia, South Carolina, and again a month later in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1976, he also set world junior records for the 100 metres with automatic timings of 10.12 seconds and 10.11 seconds. Junior athletes are defined as those who are 18 or 19 years of age on December 31 of the year of competition, and automatic timings became officially recognized from January 1, 1977.

2.2. Olympic and major international competitions

Glance's international debut was strong, as he finished first in the 100 metres at the 1976 U.S. Olympic Trials. At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he placed fourth in the 100 metres final, preventing the United States from securing a medal in the individual event. However, he played a crucial role as the opening leg runner in the American 4 × 100 metres relay team, which went on to win the gold medal.

In 1979, Glance competed at the 1979 Pan American Games, where he earned a silver medal in the 100 metres and contributed to the American 4 × 100 metres relay team's gold medal victory. Later that year, he also secured a second-place finish in the 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1979 IAAF World Cup. He was initially considered as a potential replacement for teammate James Sanford in the individual 100 metres race if Sanford had not recovered from a muscle injury.

Glance continued his international success into the 1980s, winning additional gold medals in the 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1985 IAAF World Cup, the 1987 Pan American Games, and the 1987 World Championships in Athletics.

2.3. 1980 Olympic Boycott and Liberty Bell Classic

Glance once again qualified for the U.S. Olympic team for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, finishing second in the 100 metres during the trials. However, due to the widespread boycott initiated by the United States, he was unable to compete at the Olympic Games. Instead, he participated in the Liberty Bell Classic (also known as the Olympic Boycott Games) in Philadelphia, where he won a silver medal in the 100 metres and a gold medal in the relay event. As one of the athletes whose Olympic dreams were disrupted by the boycott, he was among the 461 individuals who received a special Congressional Gold Medal specifically created for the spurned athletes.

2.4. Performance and rankings

Harvey Glance's consistent performance placed him among the elite sprinters globally and nationally for over a decade. According to the expert votes compiled by Track & Field News, he was ranked among the best in both the 100 metres and 200 metres sprint events across an impressive span of 12 seasons, from 1976 to 1987.

3.1. University coaching

Glance began his coaching career at his alma mater, Auburn University, first serving as an assistant coach from 1990 to 1991, before being promoted to head coach. In 1997, he took on the role of head coach for the men's track and field team at the University of Alabama. During his tenure at Alabama, he played a pivotal role in establishing the 'Crimson Tide' as one of the premier college track and field teams in the United States. His leadership and reputation enabled him to attract numerous top athletes to the university, including Kirani James, who would later become a World 400 metres champion in 2011 and an Olympic 400 metres champion in 2012. Glance announced his retirement from his position at Alabama in April 2011, effective at the end of that season.

3.2. National and international team roles

Beyond his university coaching duties, Glance also lent his expertise to various U.S. national and international teams, serving in key coaching roles at major competitions:

• 1994 - Coach for the World Junior Team in Lisbon, Portugal
• 1997 - Coach for the World University Games in Sicily, Italy
• 1999 - Coach for the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada
• 2003 - Assistant coach for Team USA at the World Championships in Paris, France
• 2006 - Coach for the World Junior Team in Beijing, China
• 2008 - Assistant coach for Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games
• 2009 - Men's head coach for Team USA at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany

3.3. Post-retirement coaching

Even after his retirement from university coaching at the University of Alabama, Glance maintained his involvement in the sport. He continued to work as the personal coach for Kirani James, providing guidance and support that helped James achieve his goal of becoming an Olympic champion.

7.1. Impact and contributions

As an athlete, Glance significantly contributed to American sprinting, notably by equaling the world record in the 100 metres and securing Olympic gold in the 4 × 100 metres relay. His consistent high rankings over many seasons underscored his enduring talent. As a coach, he transformed university programs into national powerhouses and mentored a new generation of elite athletes, including an Olympic champion. His commitment extended to national and international team roles, demonstrating his dedication to the broader development of the sport. His ability to attract and develop top talent cemented his reputation as one of the country's leading track and field figures.

7.2. Tributes and public perception

Glance was widely respected by his peers and mentors. His former coach, Mel Rosen, famously lauded him as "world-class" not only for his athletic ability but also for his character as a person. His selection for an NCAA Honors Luncheon with the President of the United States, along with other elite student-athletes from the 1976 Olympic team, highlighted his recognized standing and positive public perception. His induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal of Freedom are prominent examples of the lasting tributes and public recognition he received for his multifaceted contributions to sport and society.