'An Era Ends in Track & Field' — Tributes Pour In for Legendary Baylor Coach Clyde Hart at 91

The coach who shaped Olympic legends like Michael Johnson and Sanya Richards-Ross, Clyde Hart, passes away at 91 after a historic career.

One of the most respected and influential figures in track and field history, Coach Clyde Hart, has passed away at the age of 91.

 The longtime Baylor University coach, who transformed countless athletes into Olympic and world champions, died on November 1, 2025, following a battle with cancer. His passing marks the end of an era in American athletics.

Hart, who began his journey with Baylor in 1963 at just 28 years old, spent more than five decades molding young talent and establishing the university as a powerhouse in the sport. 

Over the years, he trained some of the sport’s most celebrated names, including Michael Johnson, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Jeremy Wariner — all Olympic gold medalists who credit Hart for shaping their careers.

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During his illustrious tenure, Hart’s athletes captured 20 NCAA titles in the 4x400m relay, 34 individual NCAA championships, and 13 Olympic gold medals among nine Olympians

The news of his passing was shared by Close Mag on Instagram, with a heartfelt post commemorating his monumental influence on the sport.

 “Coach Clyde Hart has died at 91 years old after a legendary coaching career at @baylortrack. Coach Hart transformed the sport by coaching Olympic champions such as @mjgold4, @sanyarichiross and @jwariner43. 🙏 He guided his teams to 20 NCAA titles in the 4x400m relay and coached 34 individual NCAA champions. He also coached nine Olympians who earned 13 gold medals and built Baylor’s track and field program into what became known as ‘Quarter-Miler U’.”

A Mentor Beyond the Track

Hart was more than a coach to many athletes as he was a mentor, a strategist, and a guiding force who pushed them to exceed their limits.

 Michael Johnson, perhaps his most famous protégé, trained under Hart for 15 years, beginning as a freshman at Baylor and continuing throughout his professional career.

 Johnson’s signature upright running style and his historic dominance in the 200m and 400m events were honed under Hart’s guidance.

Their partnership culminated in one of track and field’s greatest achievements: Johnson’s defense of his 400m title at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, achieved despite a severe hamstring injury suffered at the U.S. trials.

 Reflecting on the race years later, Johnson called it his proudest accomplishment.

 “Not my normal 43 low standard but one of my proudest achievements. Injured in the 200 at US Trials, I spent two months rehabbing and trying to maintain fitness. No races to prepare. I pulled out the win based purely on experience. And finished my career with all gold medals,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

A Lasting Legacy

Even after retiring in 2019, Hart’s influence remained deeply embedded in the sport.

 He continued mentoring young coaches and advising programs worldwide, ensuring his methods and principles would endure for generations. 

His passing has prompted tributes from athletes, colleagues, and fans across the globe, all acknowledging the depth of his impact.

Johnson, who recently launched the Grand Slam Track League in 2024 to rejuvenate interest in the sport, often cited Hart’s mentorship as foundational to his own leadership philosophy. 

Though the league faced early financial hurdles in 2025, Johnson’s dedication to fostering new opportunities for athletes mirrors the same commitment Hart demonstrated for decades.