Tony Darden (born September 2, 1957) is an American former track and field athlete, who competed in the sprints events during his career. He is best known for winning the men's 400-meter dash at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan.

Track career

Darden had a successful track career for his high school, Norristown High, Pennsylvania; for his university, Arizona State;Sun Devil Athletics , The Official Athletics Site of Arizona State University. Retrieved January 26, 2013."Remembering Norristown", Stan Huskey, History Press, 2009, . "The Names of Norristown" p 81. and for his track club, Philadelphia Pioneers.

At high school, Darden won multiple state championships and achieved national fame by recording national indoor records at 300 and 500 yards."Pennsylvania Track and Field Hall of Fame" . Retrieved January 26, 2013.

At Arizona State University, Darden was a key member of the track team, competing in the sprints and sprint relay, and helped the team to their first NCAA Championship in 1977."It Was A Hell Of A Win For The Devils", Joe Marshall, Sports Illustrated, June 13, 1977. Also in 1977, Darden was a member of two Arizona State record-breaking relay teams. The first tied the 4x220 yards world best with a time of 1:21.7 in Austin, Texas on April 1 at the Texas Relays. The second broke the world record for the 4×200 metres with a time of 1:21.4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 30 at the Penn Relays.Progression of IAAF World Records 2011 Edition, Editor Imre Matrahazi, IAAF Athletics, p 137 and p 428.Men's Outdoor Records , Sun Devil Athletics, Arizona State University. Retrieved January 27, 2013.

In 1979, Darden having finished second at the USA championships (see below) qualified for the Pan American Games. Willie Smith, as American No. 1, was expected to be the main rival to the legendary Cuban athlete Alberto Juantorena. In the end a foot injury and a problem with a shoe put paid to his chances, and it was an inspired piece of running by Darden that meant it was he who was to beat Juantorena into second."Jantorena out-kicked in Pan-Am 400 Meters", Associated Press, Observer-Reporter, Washington Pa, July 13, 1979."Juantorena Gets Ambushed", Joe Marshall, Sports Illustrated, July 23, 1979.

Darden finished third in 400 m at the 1979 Athletics World Cup and anchored the United States 4 × 400 m relay team to victory. Darden received some criticism for his run in the individual event but ran a superb relay leg to redeem his reputation.Sports Illustrated, Kenny Moore, September 3, 1979.

At the 1981 Athletics World Cup, Darden again anchored the United States 4 × 400 m relay team to victory, in a time that was then the third fastest ever., Kenny Moore, Sports Illustrated, September 14, 1981. Also in 1981, he won the British AAA Championships title in the 400 metres event at the 1981 AAA Championships.

Darden never ran in an Olympics. As a high-school student he reached the quarter-finals at the United States Olympic Trials in 1976. In 1980 though he finished fifth and so qualified for the 4 × 400 m relay squad but the United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics.The History of the United States Olympic Trials - Track & Field, R Hymans, USA Track & Field, 2008

Darden set his personal best (45.01) in the 400 metres on June 21, 1981, in Sacramento.

Later career

As of 2012, Darden was head coach for the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League track and field team.

Darden is USATF level one certified coach.Norristown PAL Team Speed Track and Field. Retrieved January 27, 2013."TRACK AND FIELD: Greater Norristown track team, ‘Team Speed’ is ready to compete", Times Herald Staff, The Times Herald. February 20, 2012.

Between 2000 and 2004, Darden was a member of the Norristown Municipal Council and in 2004 Darden was Norristown Council President."The Mystery of the Missing Mayor", Mark Marotta, NorristownPatch, August 22, 2011."Controversy surrounds newly powerful leader Council President Tony Darden faces tough questions about vetting of borough officials and about where he really lives.", Keith Herbert, Inquirer Staff Writer, August 20, 2004.

Rankings

Darden was ranked among the best in the US and the world in the 400 m sprint from 1977 to 1982, according to the votes of the experts of Track and Field News.

+ 400 metersYearWorld rankUS rank1977 - 6th1978 - -1979 3rd 1st1980 - 6th1981 4th 3rd1982 - 5th

USA Championships

Darden was a very successful competitor at 400 m in the USA National Track and Field Championships between 1977 and 1984:USA Outdoor Track and Field Champions, Men's 400 m , USA Track and Field.

+USA ChampionshipsYear400m1977 2nd1978 -1979 2nd1980 2nd1981 2nd1982 5th1983 6th1984 6th

Accolades and awards

In 2007, Darden was inducted into the Penn Relays 'Wall of Fame'.2007 Penn Relays Wall of Fame Inductees Announced , The Penn Relays Office, April 17, 2007.

Darden had already been inducted into the Penn Relays "Relays’ Wall of Fame" in 1994 as a member of the winning 1977 Arizona State University 4 × 400 m relay team.Relays’ Wall of Fame, Penn Relays.

In 1989, Darden, along with the rest of the members of the 1977 sprint relay teams, was inducted into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame.ASU Hall Of Fame By Year Inducted , Sun Devil Athletics, Arizona State University.

In 1990, Darden was inducted into the Norristown Area School District Hall of Champions.Hall of Champions Inductees, Norristown Area School District.

References