Background
Clentzos was born in Oakland, California. His father, a carpenter, and his mother had emigrated to the United States from Kythera, an island in Greece.
Clentzos was born in Oakland, California. His father, a carpenter, and his mother had emigrated to the United States from Kythera, an island in Greece.
Clentzos attended the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the track and field team
He tried out as a pole vaulter for the United States team in the 1932 Olympics, but fell just short of qualifying. His Greek heritage allowed him to vie for one of the 16 spots on Greece"s team Clentzos" personal best in the pole vault competition was 13 feet, 9 inches.
In the event at the 1932 Olympics, however, he cleared only 12 feet 3.5 inches, earning him seventh place.
After graduating from University of Southern California, Clentzos taught history and woodworking, which he had learned from his father, at Barstow High School in Barstow, California. He also coached the football and track teams.
During World World War II he joined the United States. Army and was assigned to the Santa Ana Army Air Base as a physical education instructor. He later served as an administrator at Narbonne High School and Boys Vice-Principal at Franklin High School in Northeast Los Los Angeles
He was given the Senior Service Award by the Pasadena Senior Center in 2004.
Clentzos attended the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens as a guest of the government of Greece. He also ran a leg of the Olympic torch relay that year. Clentzos died in Rancho Mirage, California at Eisenhower Medical Center.
His death was attributed to complications from hip surgery.