Greg Foster, the only man to ever win three consecutive IAFF World Championships, died on Sunday. He was 64.
Foster was a legendary track star in his heyday. He competed in multiple World Championship track events and won the silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His premier event was the 110-meter hurdle. He excelled at that event, earning gold medals in the World Championships, the Goodwill Games, and the World Indoor Championships.
Foster dominated in college as well, earning two NCAA outdoor championships at UCLA. Foster won in the 110-meter race as well as a victory in the 200-meter dash as well.
His alma mater penned a note that further explained his dominance on the UCLA Athletics website:
Foster went on to win three consecutive World Championship gold medals in the 110m hurdles in 1983, 1987 and 1991. In 1994, he captured the silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He also won a World indoor title in the 60m hurdles in 1991. In all, he captured 10 USA national titles, winning six indoor (60y hurdles from 1983-85, 55m hurdles from 1987-88 and 60m hurdles in 1991) and four outdoor (110m hurdles in 1981, 1983, 1986-87). Foster was world-ranked for 15 of 16 years from 1977-92, ranking No. 1 in 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987 and 1991. He was a member of 12 international teams and was the 1991 world indoor champion and the 1981 World Cup winner.
For years, Greg Foster battled amyloidosis, and unfortunately, that disease was what he succumbed to. But the man made a significant impact in his lifetime in the track and field world.
Many remembered Foster fondly after news of his passing broke.
Track and field analyst Ato Boldon penned a touching note, “Legendary UCLA Bruin 110m hurdler Greg Foster passed away tonight. He was world champion in 193, 1987 and 1991, and Olympic silver medalist in 184, in Los Angeles. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. The track and field world mourns this hurdling legend.”
Legendary UCLA Bruin 110m hurdler Greg Foster passed away tonight.
He was world champion in 1983, 1987 and 1991, and Olympic silver medalist in 1984, in Los Angeles. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. The track and field world mourns this hurdling legend. pic.twitter.com/ve1u9GScVu— Ato Boldon (@AtoBoldon) February 20, 2023
Others also joined in with tributes, including USA Track and Field.
USATF is saddened to hear of the passing of Greg Foster, one of America’s hurdle greats.
A legend in the track and field community, Foster was an Olympic silver medalist and three time world champion in the 110m hurdles.
📸: Tony Duffy/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/0TKWXWmpSx
— USATF (@usatf) February 21, 2023
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant:”
Sending Condolences to the family of Greg Foster and the @MICDSTrack family in this time of bereavement. It was a privilege to know him. May he rest well in the lord 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/OaIoDLFiUi— Coach Tiffany Spain (@CoachNikeSpain) February 20, 2023
⚫️ RIP Greg Foster 🇺🇸 64
Main PBs
100m 10.28 – 1979
200m 20.20 – 1979
50mH 6.35 – 1985
60mH 7.36 – 1987
110mH 13.03 – 1981 (13.22 at age 19!)Ranked world top 12 every year for 18 years from 1977 to 1994 (ranked only 12 in 1988 as he broke his arm before US Olympic Trials) https://t.co/wUs0icFItb pic.twitter.com/2uXFbPbG6X
— PJ Vazel (@pjvazel) February 20, 2023
We are saddened to hear that we lost one of our own last night.
Rest in peace, Greg Foster 💙💛 https://t.co/uQaRhYH9qg
— UCLA Track & Field (@UCLATrack_Field) February 20, 2023
