He was the silver medalist in the 5000-meter run at the 1979 Pan American Games, finishing behind compatriot Matt Centrowitz.

[2] Born in Michigan,[3] he grew up in a rural area in Grand Rapids, then Reed City.

[4] After gaining a track scholarship, he competed athletically for the Michigan State Spartans and was an NCAA All-American for them in cross country in 1974 and 1976.

[8] On the road running circuit, Lindsay was highly successful, with his best performance being a world record of 61:47 minutes for the half marathon in Manchester, Vermont in 1981.

[8] He played a part in professionalization of the sport, with races between him and other top road racers such as Frank Shorter and Stan Mavis leading to the setting up of trust funds, allowing them to be paid yet retain their amateur (and thus Olympics-eligible) status.