Nov. 19, 1964 - Bob Hayes, the world’s fastest human who won two gold medals in track at the Tokyo Olympics, would rather play football.
And, following graduation from Florida A&M University in June, Hayes has an opportunity to go into pro football.
Despite his gold medals and world records for running, the 21-year-old Hayes has his heart and mind set firmly on pro football.
In high school at Jacksonville, Hayes was a star in football, track, baseball, and basketball. At Florida A&M, he has confined his athletic efforts to football and track.
Coach Jake Gaither, the man behind Hayes’ Olympic efforts, says of him: “Hayes is first a good athlete and terrific competitor. He is a good team man and is always considerate of the rest of the squad. If Bob wants to play pro football, he has great potential.” The 190-pound, 5-11 halfback was drafted last year by the Denver Broncos of the AFL and the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.
“No more Olympics,” Bob said today. “If the Olympics were next year, I’d be glad to, but not in 1968. I would like to play football. For now, all I want to do is as much as I can to help myself and the university. The goal I had, I was successful — in winning the gold medal.”
During Hayes’ 3½ years at Florida A&M, he set three track records and tied another. He ran the 60-yard dash in 5.9 seconds, the 70-yard dash in 6.9, and the 100-yard dash in 9.1, setting three world records.
At the Olympics, he tied the Olympic and world record for the 100-meter dash in 10 seconds. He came from behind twice in the 400-meter relay to win his second gold medal.
In the semifinals, he picked up 13 yards in 100 meters — about 109 yards — to win. In the finals, he received the baton in sixth place, picked up 10 yards and won going away.
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