Noah Lyles pays tribute to ‘Crazy Scientist’ Ralph Mann who dies at 75
Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles has paid tribute to three-time NCAA champion and Olympic silver medalist Ralph Mann, who died on Jan. 2 at the age of 75 from pancreatic cancer.
Mann was the 1972 Olympic silver medalist in the 400m hurdles and also claimed the 1971 Pan American Games gold medal.
He broke the world record in 48.8 for the 440-yard hurdles at the 1970 NCAA Championships in Des Moines.
After his athletic career, Mann dedicated himself to becoming an expert and pioneer in sprinting and hurdling biomechanics.
He was also highly regarded for his research into sports performance analysis with a deep focus on the biomechanics of sprinters and hurdlers. He earned his Ph.D from Washington State University.
Lyles took to his X page to pay tribute to ‘crazy scientist’.
‘For those who don’t know who this is, this is Ralph Man! An Olympian and even world record holder. Unfortunately that’s not why I know him. I know Ralph because he is the crazy scientist that helped me and my coach turn me into the athlete I am today.
He brought a new way of thinking to my starting blocks that eventually took me to being not only a great 60m runner but 100m Olympic Champion.
I will forever be grateful for the love he had for his craft because it helped me so much. RIP Ralph and thank you,’ wrote Lyles.
