Education
University of Southern California.
University of Southern California.
While attending Compton College, near Los Angeles, Dumas, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, made his memorable jump on June 29, 1956, in the United States Olympic Trials in Los Angeles, breaking a barrier previously thought unbreakable. This jump not only ensured him of a place in the American Olympic team, but also made him the top favourite for the gold medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics. In Melbourne, he did not disappoint, and grabbed the title in a new Olympic Record.
Next, he enrolled at the University of Southern California, winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association track and field title with the university team in 1958.
In 1960, Dumas competed in his second Olympics, but a knee injury during the competition prevented him from winning a second medal, finishing 6th. He died of cancer at age 66 in Inglewood, California.
He left behind three children: Keasha Dumas, Kyle Dumas and Ianna Dumas. He started his jumping career as a student first at Thomas Jefferson High School in South Central Los Angeles for 2 years.
As a sophomore he finished tied for 4th place at the 1953 CIF California State Meet for Jefferson.
As a junior and senior he jumped for Centennial High School in Compton finishing second in 1954 and winning the state championship by four and a half inches in 1955. He was Track and Field News "High School Athlete of the Year" in 1955.