Jim Ryun

Date of Birth: April 29, 1947

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: (Still alive as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023)

Biography

Jim Ryun, born James Ronald Ryun, is a former American middle-distance runner and politician. Born in Wichita, Kansas, Ryun first gained national attention as a high school student when he became the first high schooler to run a mile in under four minutes. This remarkable feat earned him widespread recognition and set the stage for an illustrious athletic career. Ryun went on to compete in three Olympic Games (1964, 1968, and 1972) and won a silver medal in the 1500 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Ryun transitioned into a political career, serving as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1996 to 2007, representing Kansas’s 2nd congressional district. His career in Congress was marked by his advocacy for conservative values and his focus on issues such as fiscal responsibility, national defense, and family values. Ryun’s legacy in both sports and politics continues to inspire many, and he remains a highly respected figure in American history.

5 Interesting Facts about Jim Ryun

1. Jim Ryun was the first high schooler to run a mile in under four minutes, achieving a time of 3:55.3 in 1965.

2. He set a world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1 in 1967, a record that stood for almost eight years.

3. Ryun has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

4. After his running career, Ryun served as a U.S. Congressman from Kansas’s 2nd district for over a decade.

5. In addition to his athletic and political careers, Ryun is an accomplished author and motivational speaker.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim Ryun

1. “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

2. “The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing.”

3. “I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it.”

4. “Running is a test of self-discipline, and if you can pass that test, you can pass any test.”

5. “In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of his last reported financial disclosures, Jim Ryun’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Jim Ryun and his wife Anne have five children: Heather, Catharine, Ned, Drew, and Stuart. Some of his children have followed in his footsteps, engaging in athletics and public service.