Athletics Federation mourns death of U.S. hurdler

Monte Carlo, February 22 (PL) - The International Athletics Federation (World Athletics) regretted the death of U.S. hurdler Greg Foster, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 64.

The organization said it is 'deeply saddened' and recalled that Foster was 'a dominant force' in the 110-meter hurdles in the 1980s and early 1990s.

He is one of the true legends of hurdles racing: a fierce competitor on the track but always a warm, generous and friendly man away from the intensity of competition, said Federation chief executive Jon Ridgeon.

Foster was a three-time world champion (Helsinki 1983, Rome 1987 and Tokyo 1991), Olympic runner-up at Los Angeles 1984 and gold medalist in the indoor 60m hurdles at Seville 1991.   He also set a world indoor record in 1987 with 7.36 seconds.

After retiring in 1996, he was elected to the U.S. Federation Hall of Fame in 1998, and seven years ago he was battling amyloidosis, a rare disease that affected his heart and kidney function.