Athletics at the 1959 Pan American Games

These page shows the medal winners during the Athletics competition at the 1959 Pan American Games, held in Chicago, United States. The United States continued its domination, winning 18 out of a possible 22 gold medals at Soldier Field. Controversy occurred in the hammer throw event. Hal Connolly was declared the winner, but a re-measurement put him in a tie instead. Using the second best throw, Connolly was placed second behind his teammate, Al Hall. Both were credited with a new Pan-Am record.

Ray Norton (USA) won double gold in the 100m and 200m, tying the 200m world record, and adding a third in the 4x100m Relay. Argentina's Osvaldo Suárez repeated his 1955 gold in the 10.000m. Other outstanding feats included: Don Bragg overcoming an infected heel to set a Pan-Am record in the pole vault; Dave Edstrom, with Rafer Johnson injured, dominating the men's decathlon; and Adhemar da Silva (BRA) on his third consecutive gold medal in the men's triple jump. A total number of seventeen Pan-Am records were set or equaled.

In the women's tournament the U.S. won eight out of ten gold medals as well as seven silvers and three bronze. Isabelle Daniels won two golds and Lucinda Williams three, both were members of the 4x100m Relay team. The only non-American to win gold was Cuba's Bertha Díaz in the 80m Hurdles. Five Pan-Am records were set or equaled.

Medal summary

Men's events

References

* [http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/pag.htm GBR Athletics]