Rudolph John Haluza (July 5, 1931 – September 27, 2021) was an American

racewalker Racewalking, or race walking, is a long-distance discipline within the sport of athletics. Although a foot race, it is different from running in that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times. Race judges carefully asses ...

who competed in the

1960 Summer Olympics The 1960 Summer Olympics ( it, Giochi Olimpici estivi del 1960), officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad ( it, Giochi della XVII Olimpiade) and commonly known as Rome 1960 ( it, Roma 1960), were an international multi-sport event held ...

and in the

1968 Summer Olympics The 1968 Summer Olympics ( es, Juegos Olímpicos de Verano de 1968), officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad ( es, Juegos de la XIX Olimpiada) and commonly known as Mexico 1968 ( es, México 1968), were an international multi-sport eve ...

. Haluza competed in two Olympics in the 20 km walk, placing 24th in 1960 and almost winning a medal in 1968 when he finished fourth. He was born in Middletown, New York. He grew up in Queens and after college entered the Air Force and became a pilot for United Airlines.

References

1931 births 2021 deaths American male racewalkers Olympic track and field athletes for the United States Athletes (track and field) at the 1960 Summer Olympics Athletes (track and field) at the 1968 Summer Olympics People from Middletown, Orange County, New York Sportspeople from Orange County, New York Track and field athletes from New York (state) {{US-racewalk-athletics-bio-stub