USA TODAY highlights best US track athletes in history
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 10:06 AM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
USA TODAY Sports has published a list celebrating the top 20 track and field athletes in U.S. history as part of its '250 for 250' series. This series commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States. Featured athletes include Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics, and Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track athlete with 20 world championship medals and 11 Olympic medals. The initiative allows readers to vote for standout figures, recognizing both athletes and the high schools that produced them. The series will continue until July 4.
- •Jesse Owens won four golds at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
- •Allyson Felix has 20 world championship medals, the most by an American.
- •USA TODAY’s series runs until July 4, allowing public voting.
- •The initiative honors high schools that developed these athletes.
- •Highlighting athletes like Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Wilma Rudolph.
- 10:06 AMYahoo Sports — Jesse Owens to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: These US track stars are the best of all time
"Who are the best track and field athletes in United States history? USA TODAY Sports list the top 20.
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