Penn State track and field legend Horace Ashenfelter passed away in his West Orange, New Jersey home on Saturday at the age of 94.

The 1952 Olympic champion in the 3000 meter steeplechase is the lone Penn State alumnus to win an individual gold medal at any Olympic Games. The race was dubbed a “Cold War Showdown” as Ashenfelter defeated heavily-favored Soviet Vladimir Kazantsev — chasing down his competitor in the final lap at Helsinki Olympic Stadium and breaking a world record in the process.

Ashenfelter, who was also an FBI agent during his competitive days in track and field, was a national and collegiate champion at various distances, but had only raced six previous times in the steeplechase — which incorporates hurdles and water jumps into its nearly two-mile event. He was the first, and currently only, American to win the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the Olympics.

The National Track Hall of Fame inducted Ashenfelter into its 1975 class and Penn State named its indoor facility, Horace Ashenfelter III Indoor Track, in honor of the two-time Olympian.

.@PennStateTFXC has a heavy heart with the passing of Horace Ashenfelter – an amazing ambassador for our team, our sport and our University

— John Gondak (@CoachGondak) January 7, 2018

Horace Ashenfelter, USATF Hall of Fame Class of 1975 and Olympic champion in the Steeplechase, passed away at the age of 94.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire track & field community. https://t.co/zD3BX9B7Eb pic.twitter.com/qh9YAIBLzE

— USATF (@usatf) January 7, 2018

Today the running world lost a legend. The 1952 Olympic steeplechase champion Horace Ashenfelter has passed away at the age of 94, just 17 days shy of his 95th birthday. Ashenfelter was the surprise winner of the steeplechase at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. pic.twitter.com/5bXgnqr1WY

— Joseph Fuller (@justrunfuller) January 6, 2018

Horace Ashenfelter, who died today at 94, was on a very exclusive list.

US Olympic champions in distance events (1500/5k/10k/steeple/marathon) since 1912:
Horace Ashenfelter
Bob Schul
Billy Mills
Frank Shorter
Joan Benoit
Matthew Centrowitz

That's it. pic.twitter.com/QlhZ9VAkXE

— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) January 7, 2018

Horace Ashenfelter, the 1952 Olympic Steeplechase Champ, passed away yesterday. He won gold while working full time as an FBI agent. A glimpse of his training: pic.twitter.com/09602Osmxv

— Steve Magness (@stevemagness) January 7, 2018

About the Author

Steve Connelly

Unfortunately, former editor Steve Connelly has graduated. Where is he now? He might be doing something related to that PR degree he got in 2019. Maybe he finally opened that sports bar named after one of his photos, the Blurry Zamboni. Or he might just be eating chicken tenders and couch surfing. Anything’s possible. If you really want to know, follow him on Twitter @slc2o.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”