Milburn, Rodney Jr.
Track and Field
b. May 18, 1950, Opelousas, LA
As a freshman at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Milburn won the 120-yard hurdle event at the 1970 NAIA championship meet. He had a brilliant 1971 season, winning the high hurdles at the NAIA, NCAA College Division, NCAA University Division, and AAU championships, where he set a world record of 13.0 seconds. He was also the Pan-American Games champion in the 110-meter hurdles.
After winning 27 consecutive races, Milburn had a problem in the 1972 Olympic trials. He hit two hurdles and barely qualified for the team by finishing third. However, he returned to form at the Olympics and led all the way to win a gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles, tying the world record of 13.2 seconds. Milburn set a new record of 13.1 on July 6, 1973, at a Zurich meet. He won his second NCAA University Division championship that year.
The AAU outdoor champion in 1971 and 1972 and indoor champion in 1972 and 1973, Milburn turned professional in 1974. His string of 31 consecutive victories was ended by Leon Coleman in a 50-meter race in April. Milburn regained his amateur status in 1980 and retired after the 1983 season.