Michael "Mike" Franks (born September 23, 1963) is an American former track and field athlete who competed in the 400-meter dash.
He was the silver medalist in the event at the inaugural 1983 World Championships in Athletics.Franks Michael. IAAF. Retrieved on 2011-02-05. He was given the Harrison Dillard Award in 1984 for his achievements.Harrison Dillard Award . USATF. Retrieved on 2011-02-05. While attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he took the 400 m title at the 1985 NCAA Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship.NCAA DIVISION I INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2011-02-05. That same year he took the gold medal at the 1985 IAAF Grand Prix Final and two further golds at the 1985 IAAF World Cup in the 400 m and 4 × 400-meter relay events.IAAF GRAND PRIX FINAL. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2011-02-05. He was the fastest athlete of 1985 over 400 m with his personal best time of 44.47 seconds.Listo Anno. Atletica. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
He competed at the 1987 IAAF World Indoor Championships and secured the bronze medal behind Antonio McKay and Roberto Hernández.IAAF WORLD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2011-02-05. Turning to the outdoor season, he won at the 1987 Summer Universiade, taking the 400 m students' title.WORLD STUDENT GAMES (UNIVERSIADE - MEN). GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2011-02-05. He was selected as an alternate for the 4 × 400 m relay at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics and helped set a championship record of 2:59.06 in the semi-finals (which was later improved upon when the Americans took gold in the event final.Results - 4 X 400 METRES - Men - Final . IAAF. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.Results - 4 X 400 METRES - Men - Semi-Final . IAAF. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
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