With Woodruff’s death so to ends the legendary gold medalist team that included Jesse Owens.  Woodruff was the last surviving member of that team.

He died Tuesday at an assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Long” John Woodruff was a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh in 1936 where he placed second at the National AAU meet.  This placement earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.    In an amazing Olympic moment, during his 800m Olympic race, Woodruff became boxed in by other runners and was forced to stop.  He then came from behind to win with a finished time of 1:52.9

He knew that if he tried to break through and fouled another runner he would be disqualified.  His decision to stop and let the pack advance around him kept him in the race, but “Long” John woodruff, with is nearly 10 foot stride took the lead to win on the final turn.

John Woodruff would go on to fight in World War II ending his tour as a Captain, then to serve again in Korea ending his Military career as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He won many track meets, including a 1937 meet in Dallas where he ran the 800m in 1:47.8, beating the world record by nearly two seconds, but the AAU ruled the track was shorted and the record disallowed.

John Woodruff was the grandson of slaves and was born July 5, 1915, one of 12 children.

Woodruff would earn a sociology degree from Pittsburgh and a Masters from New York University.

He worked as a teacher, parole officer and as at New York Children’s Aid.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Woodruff,  his son, John Jr. his daughter, Randilyn Gilliam, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.