A two-sport Stanford star in football and track, Robert “Dink” Templeton (1897–1962) competed for the US at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. He finished fourth in the long jump and was a member of the gold medal winning rugby team. He also competed in the long jump at the 1924 Olympics.
Templeton became the Stanford track and field coach in 1921, holding the position until 1939, and capturing three national championships. He was a pioneer who pushed the limits of standard training, holding daily intensive practices which were uncommon at the time. His student athletes won 19 NCAA individual titles.
From 1944 to 1959, Templeton led the Winged O track and field team, which placed 2nd at the National AAU championship in 1946, 3rd in 1947-48, 2nd again in 1949 before finally winning in 1950. The team got 3rd the following year. His teams featured world record holders, individual national champions, and Olympic medalists. For instance his 1955 javelin team members included Bud Held, world record holder, Cy Young, 1952 Gold Medalist, and Leo Long, ranked 2nd in the nation.
Templeton is a member of the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame and the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.
