Andre Phillips, the 1988 Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter hurdles, is no stranger to Simplot Games, returning for his tenth year.
This year, however, is going to be a little different: he will be bringing the “Hall of Famer” title with him following his recent induction into the USA Track and Field (USATF) Hall of Fame.
“I’m humbled, honored, and proud,” says Phillips of the honor.
Phillips boasts an impressive resume of track accomplishments. Before winning the gold medal, Phillips was the 1981 NCAA champion in the 400-meter-hurdles while competing for UCLA. He also won both the World Cup and the USA Outdoor title in 1985.
Although the World Cup and National titles are great, they don’t carry the same prestige as the Olympic gold that Phillips was able to win in 1988.
To win the gold medal, Phillips had to do something he and every other athlete in the world was unable to do for nearly a decade: beat Edwin Moses.
Moses was deemed unbeatable by many. For nine years, Moses never lost, winning 122 consecutive 400 meter-hurdle races. Phillips, however, was able to get the best of Moses in the 400 meter-hurdle Olympic final in Seoul.
“The first thing that crossed my mind as I crossed the finish line was that I beat Moses,” says Phillips. “I couldn’t believe I beat Moses.”
After looking back, Phillips admits beating Moses was nice, but having the gold medal in his pocket is definitely more important in the long run.
Winning the gold medal puts Phillips in the elite class of USA Track & Field athletes, the class of legends. Along with Phillips, Joetta Clark Diggs (800 meters), Randy Williams (long jump), Willie Steele (long jump), and Dr. Ken Foreman (coach), were the USATF Hall of Fame inductees for the year of 2009.
Phillips is among many Olympians that attend Simplot Games on a regular basis.
“It’s a world class event with world class athletes,” says Phillips. “I enjoy coming out here and watching some of the young blood compete.”
While Phillips enjoys all aspects of the competition, he does admit having a favorite.
“I enjoy watching every event, but the 400-meter hurdles is always going to be close to my heart,” says Phillips.
After 10 years, he has no plans on skipping the Games in the future.
“As long as the people of Pocatello and Simplot Games want me here, I will be here,” says Phillips. “Snow or shine.”
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