He had personal bests in the 100 yard dash of 9.7 (1948) and 26’6’ in the long jump (1947), a mere 2.25 inches behind Jesse Owens’ world record of 1935 that stood for some 25 years.

His long jump remains the school record at San Diego State, not even surpassed by 1976 Olympic Gold medalist Arnie Robinson.

[3] In his crowning achievement, he won the gold medal in the long jump in the 1948 London Summer Olympics.

After his track career, Steele signed a contract to play halfback for the Los Angeles Rams but only performed in some exhibition games before being cut from the team.

[citation needed] Steele spent most of his working career in Oakland, California as a director in the city's Parks and Recreation Department.