Dallas Long, a celebrated figure in athletics and a three-time NCAA shot put champion, has passed away at the age of 84. He died of natural causes on Sunday in Whitefish, Montana, as reported by a family member to the University of Southern California. Specifics surrounding his passing were not disclosed.

Long was a dominant force in shot put during the 1960s, securing three consecutive NCAA titles from 1960 to 1962. His most notable achievement came at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he clinched a gold medal with an Olympic record throw of 66 feet, 8.50 inches. Additionally, he garnered a bronze medal at the Rome Olympics in 1960, finishing behind American athletes Bill Nieder and Parry O’Brien.

Over the course of his career, Long set the world record in shot put an impressive 11 times between 1959 and 1965 and held the distinction of being ranked as the world’s top shot putter on three occasions. His personal record, 67 feet, 10.25 inches, exemplified his elite competitive edge.

As a member of the USC Trojans, Long contributed to the team’s 1961 NCAA championship victory. His 1962 throw of 65 feet, 10.50 inches still ranks as the sixth-best in USC’s history. Moreover, his freshman record of 63 feet, 7 inches, established in 1959, remained unbroken until 2015.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Long was inducted into several prestigious halls of fame, including the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Arizona Hall of Fame in 1964. He was also honored by the National High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1993 and the USC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

Born Dallas Crutcher Long on June 13, 1940, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, he first gained significant attention in shot put while competing as a senior at North High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he achieved a national prep record.

Long pursued higher education, earning a dental degree from USC, and later obtained a Doctor of Medicine from Washington University in St. Louis. He initially worked as a dentist before shifting his focus to emergency medicine.

In addition to his athletic career, Long was involved in notable events beyond sports. He served as a defense witness in the 1993 trial concerning the infamous Rodney King beating by Los Angeles Police Department officers, although he did not treat King.

He is survived by his children: Kristen Long, Kelly Nordell, Karin Grandsire, and Ian Long, alongside nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Long had two previous marriages.