Jim Lea (athlete)

Jim Lea (November 6, 1932 – March 27, 2010) was an American sprinter who competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics.

[2] Lea competed in the 1955 Pan Am Games, where both Lea and Louis Jones beat the previous world records in the 400 meters, with Jones winning the race.

Commentators credited these two record-breaking performances to the high altitude in Mexico City, where they competed.

[3] Lea qualified for the Olympics at the Armed Forces track and field championship.

Experts at the time considered Lea one of the best prospects for an olympic medal for the United States.