On Friday July 26th, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will have their opening ceremony to signify the start of competition for 206 countries and over 10,000 athletes in 329 events and 39 sports for gold over the next 2 plus weeks. Some people in our small town of 4,691 and school district of 500+ may not not realize that 40 years ago one of our own competed in the 10,000 meter run in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Craig Virgin!
Craig Virgin, now about to turn 69, was one of the premier long distance runners in the 1970's and early 1980's in the world. He was born with a urological disease that he battled until a reconstructive surgery in 8th grade allowed him to have a more normal physical functioning kidney and chose to run cross country after his 8th grade basketball coach suggested he give it a try and his amazing and record-setting career began from there. He was a 5-time state champion in high school in the mile and 2 mile run, 9-time Big Ten Champion, 9-time Collegiate All American, 3 time Olympic qualifier in the 10,000 meter run for the USA(1976,1980,1984), and 2 time World Cross Country Champion(1980,1981) and many other records and great accomplishments in his career. His best chance for Olympic gold came in 1980 where he had run the 2nd fastest 10,000 meters in history just 10 days before the Olympics were to start. However, President Carter and Congress chose to boycott the Summer Olympics in Moscow due to Russia's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, so Craig was not allowed to represent the USA in his best chance for an Olympic medal and possibly a gold medal as an Olympic Champion. Craig would compete in the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles but did not qualify for the finals in the 10,000 meter race.
Lebanon High School is proud to take a moment to recognize 3 time Olympic qualifier and Greyhound Alumni Craig Virgin, Class of 1973, as the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is preparing for their opening ceremony. Go Greyhounds!