Education
He attended the University of California at Los Angeles (University of California, Los Angeles) and graduated in 1951.
He attended the University of California at Los Angeles (University of California, Los Angeles) and graduated in 1951.
Incredibly, Young only toyed with the javelin for two years in junior college and only took it seriously after entering University of California, Los Angeles in 1948. In 1950, he placed second in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships, and in 1952 Young set a new United States. record of 256 feet 3 inches (7812 meters) in the javelin. In April 1956, Young had the best throw of his career with 259-8½ (7916m).
Because the Olympics were being in held in the Southern hemisphere – where the seasons are "reversed" in comparison to America and Europe – the Summer Games were delayed until late November, which was months after the track & field outdoor season typically ended.
Nonetheless, Young headed to Melbourne, Australia as one of the favorites. Three days before the competition he twisted an ankle which caused him pain has he "planted" his leg to release his throw.
There were 21 throwers from 12 nations entered in the morning qualifying round on Monday November 26. The qualifying distance was set at 66 metersanyone who threw 66 m (216" 6") or better automatically advanced to the Finals.
Cy Young was inducted into the University of California, Los Angeles Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Young continued to throw during his mid-20s and four years later prepared to defend his Olympic title.