Don Laz

Don Laz
Laz in 1951
Personal information
BornMay 17, 1929
Chicago, U.S.
DiedFebruary 21, 1996 (aged 66)
Champaign, Illinois, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Illinois[1]
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight82 kg (181 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
EventPole vault
Achievements and titles
Personal best4.65 m (1952i)[1]
Medal record
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1952 Helsinki Pole vault
Pan American Games
Bronze medal – third place 1955 Mexico City Pole vault

Donald Robert Laz (May 17, 1929 – February 21, 1996) was an American pole vaulter. He won a silver medal at the 1952 Olympics and a bronze at the 1955 Pan American Games. Domestically he held the NCAA title in 1951 and shared the AAU title in 1953. After retiring from competitions he worked as an architect in Champaign, Illinois, and retired after suffering a stroke.[1]

Competing for the Illinois Fighting Illini track and field team, Laz won the 1951 NCAA DI outdoor pole vault title.[2]

Personal life

In January 1951 Laz married Nancy June Barber[3] They had a son Doug, who also became a competitive pole vaulter.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Don Laz". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020.
  2. ^ "Pole Vaulting Classic: Don Laz - Vaulter Magazine - Pole Vault News". vaultermagazine.com. August 20, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  3. ^ File:Don Laz with wife 1951.jpg.