LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. – Payton Jordan, coach of the record-setting 1968 US Olympic track and field team, died Thursday. He was 91.

Jordan died of cancer at his home in Laguna Hills, daughter Cheryl Melville said.

He led the US track team to a record 24 medals, 12 of them gold, at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He served as Stanford's track and field coach from 1957-79.

Years ago, Jordan recalled how his Olympic team excelled despite some black athletes threatening to boycott the games over a push for civil rights.

"We just sat down and talked about how hard everyon.....READ MORE

Listen to audio of Payton Jordan

Jordan reflects on the U.S.-U.S.S.R. track meet.

Jordan describes AAU executive Pinky Sober's visit to Palo Alto. Windows Media    Quicktime Jordan describes housing arrangements for the Soviet athletes in Stern Hall. Windows Media    Quicktime Jordan comments on the warm reception from the Stanford community. Windows Media    Quicktime