Saratoga's Don Bowden
Rotary clubs want Saratogan named to Sports Hall of Fame
Don Bowden doesn't talk much about former glory
By Nathan R. Huff
For a guy who broke a slew of collegiate and national track records in his day, Saratoga's Don Bowden doesn't talk about it much. Perhaps that's why the San Jose and Los Gatos Rotary clubs have decided to lobby for Bowden's inclusion to the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.
Bowden, who gained national attention by becoming the first American to run a sub-four-minute mile in 1957, was elected to halls of fame for the University of California, Northern California Track and Field, City of Stockton, City of San Francisco and the Santa Clara Valley Sportswriters/Broadcasters. But the San Jose native and Lincoln High School graduate has yet to be inducted into his hometown's hall of fame.
The UC-Berkeley grad and former Olympian said he's not concerned about not being in the city's Hall of Fame, but he appreciates the Rotary clubs' efforts. "I try not to be a self-promoter," he said. "I think you should let your deeds speak for themselves."
And Bowden's deeds speak quite loudly. Beginning at San Jose's Lincoln High School, the lanky kid with natural speed swept past his competition. In both 1953 and 1954 he was the state champion in the 880-yard run, breaking the existing record each year--a record then held by Los Gatos High School runner Bob Chambers.
His success continued at UC-Berkley, where he ran under 1952 Olympic coach Bruce Hamilton. During his freshman year Bowden set the NCAA 880 record and anchored the record sprint medley relay team. Moreover, as a herald of things to come, Bowden set the NCAA freshman mile record in his first mile attempt.
In 1956, Bowden was part of the Olympic Games in Melbourne Australia, competing in the 1500-meter run. He returned to Berkeley to break his own 880 record before traveling to Stockton California for his historic mile run.
"We went out to do it," Bowden said. "That was going to be my last mile of the year. That wasn't my race; I didn't train enough for the mile." Well-trained or not, Bowden ran himself into the record books with a 3:57.8 mile--the third fastest mile ever. Bowden was the 12th runner to do a sub-four-minute mile, and the first American. His name graced almost every major newspaper's front page the next day. He still holds the University of California mile record.
During Bowden's senior year at Cal he was selected the UC Athlete of the Year for all eight campuses. He went on to set two world relay records before his running career was abruptly ended two years later in the army. Bowden severed his Achilles tendon while training for the 1960 Olympics.
But Bowden said he never looked back, which may explain why many people don't remember what was once a household name. "It depends on how old you are--if you're a pretty old track fan, you remember," he said. "I think track is a part of your life, and I enjoyed the associations I made, but there are more important things in life."
Since hanging up his track shoes, Bowden used his Economics degree working for 3M in its synthetic track division. The track at West Valley Community College is just one Bowden had a hand in building.
These days, Bowden stays active running a sports export business in San Jose. He goes flyfishing, frequently travels over the hill to his cabin in Aptos, and says his three Great Pyrenees dogs keep him busy.
Bowden admits it would be a special honor to be recognized in his hometown. "I was born and raised there, third generation, so it would certainly have meaning to be recognized," Bowden said. "The problem is, 40 years have gone by. I'm fortunate to have some good friends in the Rotary pushing for me."
Saratoga, California Since 1955
