Virgil Severns

Virgil Severns (22 March 1929 – November 2024) was a male high jumper from the United States, who competed in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for winning the gold medal at the inaugural Pan American Games in 1951. Severns set his personal best in the men's high jump event (2.038 metres) on 1950-04-01 at a meet in Austin, Texas.

Severns was an All-American jumper for the Kansas State Wildcats track and field team, placing runner-up in the high jump at the 1950 NCAA track and field championships.[1]

Severns died in November 2024, at the age of 95.[2]

Achievements

Year Tournament Venue Result Height
1950 US National Championships College Park, Maryland 1st 1.97 m
1951 Pan American Games Buenos Aires, Argentina 1st 1.95 m

References

  1. ^ "One of U.S.'s Top Jumpers to Be Here". Des Moines Tribune. 9 Feb 1951. p. 13. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  2. ^ "Virgil Severns Obituary (In November 2024, Virgil was reunited with Anne in Heaven.)". legacy.com, 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 December 2025.