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{{short description|American javelin thrower}}
{{about|the javelin thrower|the baseball player|Cy Young|the American football player|Harry Young (American football)}}
{{about|the javelin thrower|the baseball player|Cy Young|the American football player|Harry Young (American football)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
{{Infobox sportsperson
| name = Cy Young
| name = Cy Young
| image =
| image =Cy Young 1950.jpg
| image_upright =1.2
| caption =
| caption =Young, circa 1950
| fullname =
| fullname =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1928|7|23}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1928|7|23}}
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}}
}}


'''Cy C. Young Jr.''' (July 23, 1928 – December 6, 2017) was an American athlete who competed mainly in the [[javelin throw]].<ref name= only>{{cite web|url=http://www.modbee.com/sports/article188897524.html|title=Modesto's Cy Young, the only American javelin thrower to win Olympic gold, dies at 89|work=[[Modesto Bee]]|first=Brian|last=Clark|date=December 8, 2017|access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref> He is the only American male to earn Olympic gold in the event.<ref name=only/>
'''Cy C. Young Jr.''' (July 23, 1928 – December 6, 2017) was an American athlete who competed mainly in the [[javelin throw]].<ref name= only>{{cite web|url=http://www.modbee.com/sports/article188897524.html|title=Modesto's Cy Young, the only American javelin thrower to win Olympic gold, dies at 89|work=[[The Modesto Bee]]|first=Brian|last=Clark|date=December 8, 2017|access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref> He is the only American male to earn Olympic gold in the event.<ref name=only/>


==Early life==
==Early life==
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Young dabbled in the javelin at [[Modesto Junior College]], where he attended for two years. He started throwing seriously after entering [[UCLA]] in 1948; in 1950 he placed second behind [[Bud Held]] at the [[1950 NCAA Track and Field Championships|NCAA championships]]. He was a member of the [[Sigma Nu]] fraternity.<ref name=Mooney/>
Young dabbled in the javelin at [[Modesto Junior College]], where he attended for two years. He started throwing seriously after entering [[UCLA]] in 1948; in 1950 he placed second behind [[Bud Held]] at the [[1950 NCAA Track and Field Championships|NCAA championships]]. He was a member of the [[Sigma Nu]] fraternity.<ref name=Mooney/>


Young graduated from UCLA in 1951. In 1952 he set a new US record of {{convert|256|ft|4|in|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in the javelin.<ref name= UCLAHallOfFameToInduct>{{cite web|title=UCLA Hall of Fame to Induct 12 New Members|date=September 16, 1998|publisher=UCLA Athletics official website|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812014443/http://www.uclabruins.com/genrel/091698aaa.html|url=http://uclabruins.cstv.com/genrel/091698aaa.html|archivedate=August 12, 2011}}</ref>
Young graduated from UCLA in 1951. In 1952 he set a new US record of {{convert|256|ft|4|in|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in the javelin.<ref name= UCLAHallOfFameToInduct>{{cite web|title=UCLA Hall of Fame to Induct 12 New Members|date=September 16, 1998|publisher=UCLA Athletics official website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812014443/http://www.uclabruins.com/genrel/091698aaa.html|url=http://uclabruins.cstv.com/genrel/091698aaa.html|archive-date=August 12, 2011}}</ref>


Young competed at age 24 in the javelin throw for the US at the 1952 [[Summer Olympic Games]] in [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]], where he won the gold medal on his birthday.<ref>https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/yo/cy-young-1.html</ref>
Young competed at age 24 in the javelin throw for the US at the 1952 [[Summer Olympic Games]] in [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]], where he won the gold medal on his birthday.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200417175105/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/yo/cy-young-1.html Cy Young at Sports Reference]</ref>


Young continued to throw during his mid-20s, and four years later prepared to defend his Olympic title. In April 1956, Young had the best throw of his career with {{cvt|259|ft|8.5|in|m}}. Later in the season, he won his only AAU championship. Because the Olympics were being in held in the Southern hemisphere – where the seasons are "reversed" in comparison to America and Europe – the Summer Games were delayed until late November, which was months after the track & field outdoor season typically ended.<ref>https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1956/</ref>
Young continued to throw during his mid-20s, and four years later prepared to defend his Olympic title. In April 1956, Young had the best throw of his career with {{cvt|259|ft|8.5|in|m}}. Later in the season, he won his only AAU championship. Because the Olympics were being in held in the Southern hemisphere – where the seasons are "reversed" in comparison to America and Europe – the Summer Games were delayed until late November, which was months after the track & field outdoor season typically ended.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200417040826/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1956/ Sports Reference]</ref>


A few months before the Melbourne Games, Poland's Janusz Sidło – the 1954 European Champion – pushed the javelin world record out to {{cvt|274|ft|5.75|in|m}}. Nonetheless, Young headed to Melbourne, Australia as one of the favorites. Three days before the competition he twisted an ankle which caused him pain as he "planted" his leg to release his throw.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.modbee.com/2008/08/16/395683/modesto-gold-medalist-tackling.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330215822/http://www.modbee.com/2008/08/16/395683/modesto-gold-medalist-tackling.html|title=Modesto gold medalist tackling new obstacles|first=Ron|last=Agostini|date=August 16, 2008|work=[[Modesto Bee]]|archivedate= March 30, 2014}}</ref>
A few months before the Melbourne Games, Poland's Janusz Sidło – the 1954 European Champion – pushed the javelin world record out to {{cvt|274|ft|5.75|in|m}}. Nonetheless, Young headed to Melbourne, Australia as one of the favorites. Three days before the competition he twisted an ankle which caused him pain as he "planted" his leg to release his throw.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.modbee.com/2008/08/16/395683/modesto-gold-medalist-tackling.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330215822/http://www.modbee.com/2008/08/16/395683/modesto-gold-medalist-tackling.html|title=Modesto gold medalist tackling new obstacles|first=Ron|last=Agostini|date=August 16, 2008|work=The Modesto Bee|archive-date= March 30, 2014}}</ref>


There were 21 throwers from 12 nations entered in the morning qualifying round on Monday November 26. The qualifying distance was set at 66 meters- anyone who threw {{convert|66|m|ftin|abbr=off}} or better automatically advanced to the Finals. Young advance to the finals, but was only able to throw 68.64m, well below his normal, good for 11th place.<ref>[http://library.la84.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1956/OR1956.pdf Official Report of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics]; Men's Javelin results, page 341; accessed March 30, 2014.</ref>
There were 21 throwers from 12 nations entered in the morning qualifying round on Monday November 26. The qualifying distance was set at 66 meters- anyone who threw {{convert|66|m|ftin|abbr=off}} or better automatically advanced to the Finals. Young advance to the finals, but was only able to throw 68.64m, well below his normal, good for 11th place.<ref>[http://library.la84.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1956/OR1956.pdf Official Report of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics]; Men's Javelin results, page 341; accessed March 30, 2014.</ref>
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Young was "named Southern California's Athlete of the Year for 1952, a competition that included the region's professional athletes as well, and missed winning the Sullivan Award by a single vote."<ref name= Mooney/>
Young was "named Southern California's Athlete of the Year for 1952, a competition that included the region's professional athletes as well, and missed winning the Sullivan Award by a single vote."<ref name= Mooney/>


Young was inducted into the [[UCLA Bruins#UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame|UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame]] in 1998.<ref name=UCLAHallOfFameToInduct/><ref>{{cite web|title=UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame|publisher=UCLA Athletics|url=http://www.uclabruins.com/ot/hof.html|accessdate=October 21, 2011|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210181729/http://www.uclabruins.com/ot/hof.html|archivedate=December 10, 2011}}</ref> He was also inducted into the Modesto Junior College Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mjc.edu/athletics/halloffame.php|title=Hall Of Fame|website=mjc.edu|publisher=Modesto Junior College|access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>
Young was inducted into the [[UCLA Bruins#UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame|UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame]] in 1998.<ref name=UCLAHallOfFameToInduct/><ref>{{cite web|title=UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame|publisher=UCLA Athletics|url=http://www.uclabruins.com/ot/hof.html|access-date=October 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210181729/http://www.uclabruins.com/ot/hof.html|archive-date=December 10, 2011}}</ref> He was also inducted into the Modesto Junior College Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mjc.edu/athletics/halloffame.php|title=Hall Of Fame|website=mjc.edu|publisher=Modesto Junior College|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212031450/http://www.mjc.edu/athletics/halloffame.php|archive-date=December 12, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personal life and demise==
==Personal life and demise==
Young was a fourth generation farmer<ref name= Ag2004/> who grew walnuts and almonds.<ref name=Mooney/> He and his wife, Elizabeth, resided in Modesto. A daughter, Jenifer, managed his business matters.<ref name= Ag2004/>
Young was a fourth generation farmer<ref name= Ag2004/> who grew walnuts and almonds.<ref name=Mooney/> He and his wife, Elizabeth, resided in Modesto. A daughter, Jenifer, managed his business matters.<ref name= Ag2004/>


Young died on December 6, 2017 at age 89 due to complications from [[vascular dementia]].<ref name= only/>
Young died on December 6, 2017, at age 89 due to complications from [[vascular dementia]].<ref name= only/>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:American male javelin throwers]]
[[Category:American male javelin throwers]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in track and field]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in track and field]]
[[Category:Olympic track and field athletes of the United States]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1952 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1952 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1956 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 1956 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1952 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1952 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Deaths from dementia]]
[[Category:Deaths from dementia in California]]
[[Category:Deaths from vascular dementia]]
[[Category:Track and field athletes from California]]
[[Category:Track and field athletes from California]]

Latest revision as of 09:08, 19 December 2023

This article is about the javelin thrower. For the baseball player, see Cy Young. For the American football player, see Harry Young (American football).

Cy Young
Young, circa 1950
Personal information
Born(1928-07-23)July 23, 1928
Modesto, California, US
DiedDecember 6, 2017(2017-12-06) (aged 89)
Modesto, California, US[1]
Height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[2]
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1952 Helsinki Javelin throw

Cy C. Young Jr. (July 23, 1928 – December 6, 2017) was an American athlete who competed mainly in the javelin throw.[1] He is the only American male to earn Olympic gold in the event.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Young was born and raised in Modesto, California. He suffered from asthma as a boy.[3]

College and athletics

[edit]

Young dabbled in the javelin at Modesto Junior College, where he attended for two years. He started throwing seriously after entering UCLA in 1948; in 1950 he placed second behind Bud Held at the NCAA championships. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.[3]

Young graduated from UCLA in 1951. In 1952 he set a new US record of 256 feet 4 inches (78.13 meters) in the javelin.[4]

Young competed at age 24 in the javelin throw for the US at the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, where he won the gold medal on his birthday.[5]

Young continued to throw during his mid-20s, and four years later prepared to defend his Olympic title. In April 1956, Young had the best throw of his career with 259 ft 8.5 in (79.159 m). Later in the season, he won his only AAU championship. Because the Olympics were being in held in the Southern hemisphere – where the seasons are "reversed" in comparison to America and Europe – the Summer Games were delayed until late November, which was months after the track & field outdoor season typically ended.[6]

A few months before the Melbourne Games, Poland's Janusz Sidło – the 1954 European Champion – pushed the javelin world record out to 274 ft 5.75 in (83.6613 m). Nonetheless, Young headed to Melbourne, Australia as one of the favorites. Three days before the competition he twisted an ankle which caused him pain as he "planted" his leg to release his throw.[7]

There were 21 throwers from 12 nations entered in the morning qualifying round on Monday November 26. The qualifying distance was set at 66 meters- anyone who threw 66 metres (216 feet 6 inches) or better automatically advanced to the Finals. Young advance to the finals, but was only able to throw 68.64m, well below his normal, good for 11th place.[8]

Honors and awards

[edit]

Young was "named Southern California's Athlete of the Year for 1952, a competition that included the region's professional athletes as well, and missed winning the Sullivan Award by a single vote."[3]

Young was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.[4][9] He was also inducted into the Modesto Junior College Hall of Fame.[10]

Personal life and demise

[edit]

Young was a fourth generation farmer[2] who grew walnuts and almonds.[3] He and his wife, Elizabeth, resided in Modesto. A daughter, Jenifer, managed his business matters.[2]

Young died on December 6, 2017, at age 89 due to complications from vascular dementia.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Clark, Brian (December 8, 2017). "Modesto's Cy Young, the only American javelin thrower to win Olympic gold, dies at 89". The Modesto Bee. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Agostini, Ron (January 18, 2004). "[Young 2004 article]". Modesto Bee. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d Mooney, Mike (July 14, 1996). "[Young 1996 article]". Modesto Bee. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "UCLA Hall of Fame to Induct 12 New Members". UCLA Athletics official website. September 16, 1998. Archived from the original on August 12, 2011.
  5. ^ Cy Young at Sports Reference
  6. ^ Sports Reference
  7. ^ Agostini, Ron (August 16, 2008). "Modesto gold medalist tackling new obstacles". The Modesto Bee. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014.
  8. ^ Official Report of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics; Men's Javelin results, page 341; accessed March 30, 2014.
  9. ^ "UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame". UCLA Athletics. Archived from the original on December 10, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
  10. ^ "Hall Of Fame". mjc.edu. Modesto Junior College. Archived from the original on December 12, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
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