Former U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway has died at the age of 80 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in Pensacola, Florida, according to his family. A member of the U.S. team at the 1972 Summer Olympics, Galloway competed in the 10,000 meters and was also an alternate for the marathon following a selfless moment at the Olympic Trials, where he stepped aside at the finish to allow a teammate to secure a qualifying spot. His family described him as a man who “spent his life proving that anyone could cross a finish line,” emphasizing how he celebrated every mile and every small victory. He is survived by his two sons and six grandchildren, along with what many consider a far-reaching legacy among runners worldwide.

Galloway became a central figure in America’s running boom and is widely credited with making long-distance running accessible to everyday athletes. His signature Run-Walk-Run method encouraged strategic walking breaks to reduce fatigue and injuries, helping millions complete races they once believed impossible. He famously demonstrated its effectiveness at the Houston Marathon, finishing in 2:16:35—faster than some of his previous run-only performances. A former All-American at Florida State University, Galloway also won the inaugural Peachtree Road Race in 1970, an event that later became the world’s largest 10K. Beyond competition, he founded running stores, training programs, and camps that welcomed participants of all ages and abilities, forever reshaping how people approach endurance sports.