Lester Steers (June 16, 1917 – January 23, 2003) was an American track and field high jumper. In 1941 he broke the world record for the high-jump three times. His last record stood for 12 years.[1]
Lester 'Les' Steers | |
|---|---|
 Steers, circa 1940 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 16, 1917 Rohnerville, California |
| Died | January 23, 2003 (aged 85) Richland, Washington |
Track career
Steers attended Palo Alto High School, winning the CIF California State Meet three years in a row from 1935-7[2] and San Mateo Junior College before attending the University of Oregon in 1941, competing for the 'Ducks' in the year of his greatest triumphs.[3]
Steers was a great all-round athlete who competed at the javelin, shot put and high-hurdles for his college athletics team as well as the high jump giving him the aspiration of competing as a decathlete.[4]
It was, however, as a high-jumper that he achieved his greatest success. He was NCAA (United States collegiate) champion (1941))[5], 3 times AAU (United States national) champion (1939–41)[6], and a gold medalist at the World University Games in 1939 (where he also won silver in the javelin and bronze in the pentathlon).[4]
As a jumper, Steers used the 'Belly Roll', a variation of the 'Western Roll'.[4]
Later life
Steers remained in Oregon reportedly working as a salesman.[7]
He died in 2003, a resident of Richland Washington.[8]
World records
Steers achieved the following world records during his athletics career:[9]
- 2.10 m (6' 10 3/4") in Seattle on 26 April 1941;[10]
- 2.105 m (6' 10 7/8") in Los Angeles on 24 May 1941;
- 2.11 m (6' 11") in Los Angeles on 17 June 1941.
Note: only the third was ratified by the sports' governing body, the IAAF.
Steers is also reported to have cleared 7 feet 1/2 inch in an exhibition jump in Eugene on 27 February 1941.[11] The first official clearance of 7 feet was 15 years later by Charles Dumas.
Accolades and awards
In 1974, Steers was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.[1]
In 1992, Steers was inducted into the University of Oregon Hall of Fame.[12]
