Jamaican track legend George Vincent Rhoden played a pivotal role in establishing Jamaica as a dominant force in athletics history.

Jamaica’s athletics community is mourning the loss of track legend George Vincent Rhoden.

Rhoden, who was the last surviving member of Jamaica’s historic 4x400m relay team that clinched gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, passed away on Saturday at the age of 97.

In a statement released on Monday, Garth Gayle, the president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, expressed condolences.

“George Rhoden was one of the building blocks of our sport in Jamaica. He demonstrated true grit and determination in every single one of his races and was a dependable team member,” wrote Garth Gayle.

“He would grind out every event, giving everything for his team and his country. His performances in 1952 will always be remembered as they laid the groundwork for the strong track and field nation we are today.”

Born on December 13, 1926, in Kingston, Jamaica, Rhoden began his athletic journey in the late 1940s.

Despite not winning any medals at the 1948 London Olympics, where he competed in the 100m and 400m events, Rhoden was undeterred and went on to set a world record in the 400m two years later.

His time of 45.8 seconds, set in Eskilstuna, Sweden, announced his arrival on the global stage and was a harbinger of the Olympic glory that was to follow.

Rhoden’s most notable achievements came at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.

Entering the games as a pre-race favorite in the 400m, Rhoden lived up to expectations by narrowly defeating his compatriot and close friend, Herb McKenley, to win the gold medal.

His success did not end there as the anchor of Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team, Rhoden led his team to a stunning victory against the United States, clinching another gold medal and setting a new world record of 3:03.9.