University of California Athletics

Don Bowden became the first American to break the four-minute barrier in the mile, running 3:58.7 in 1957 at the Pacific Association AAU meet. In 1957, he won the NCAA 880 in 1:47.2, helping Cal to take second place in the meet. Bowden also took fourth in the mile at NCAA’s in 1958. On the conference level, he was the PCC champion in the 880 in 1957 and in the mile in 1958. A member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1956, Bowden set school records in the 880, 1500, mile, 2-mile relay, sprint medley relay and distance medley relay. He was also a part of 1958 relay teams that set world records in the 2-mile and sprint medley relays. In addition to the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, he is a member of the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame.