Jenkins, Charles L.
Track and Field
b. Jan. 7, 1934, New York, NY
Running for Villanova University, Jenkins won the IC4A outdoor 440-yard championship in 1955 and 1957 and was the indoor 600-yard champion from 1955 through 1957. He also won the AAU outdoor 440-yard dash in 1955 and the indoor 600-yard event in 1957 and 1958.
Jenkins was a surprise winner in the 400-meter at the 1956 Olympics, beating U. S. teammate Louis Jones, who had set a world record of 45.2 seconds in the Olympic trials. After winning the gold medal with a time of 46.7, Jenkins told reporters, "Jones is still the champ. That 45.2 is it." He was also a member of the gold medal 1,600-meter relay team.