Olympic Gold Medalist Arnie Robinson Jr Dead at 72 — What Were the Circumstances of His Death?

Renowned American Olympic gold medalist Arnie Robinson Jr. is dead at 72. Here is a detailed insight into the circumstances surrounding his shocking death.

World-class Olympic medalist and track and field Hall of Famer Arnie Robinson Jr. has died at 72 after contracting the COVID-19 virus. He passed away a week later, on December 1.

His son, Paul Robinson, revealed that the athlete first fell ill in mid-November, suffering from breathing difficulties. He then tested positive for COVID-19 but later started to feel better.

Unfortunately, the 72-year-old suddenly started struggling with breathing, and eventually died. Paul admitted that they were in a state of shock and disbelief. He later implored people to respect COVID-19 for what it was since there was no escaping once it closed in.

Before his passing, Robinson left an indelible mark on earth. He believed his remarkable athletic gifts were his responsibility to share, so he passionately gave back to the community.

He promoted track and field sports for youths by organizing meetings, buying equipment, and being involved with facility improvement. He was also a coach and an avid advocate for education.

To keep Robinson's memory alive, Paul created a GoFundMe account to push his father's dedication, values, and commitment to helping others. The contributions were to support youth sports in the San Diego area.

He was involved in a severe accident in 2000 and was later diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in 2005.

Growing up in San Diego, it is no surprise that the late icon gave back to his hometown. He attended Morse High School, San Diego Mesa College, and later San Diego State University.

In 1970, he won the long jump competition at the NCAA Men's Outdoor track and field Championships. He went on to win seven national long jump titles and became the highest-ranked long jumper in the world.

Robinson also became the first long jump champion at the World Cup in 1977. He retired one year later and returned to San Diego Mesa College as a coach in 1982.

He served as a head coach for 25 years, and his teams won 15 conference championships and one state championship.

The athlete also coached six state championship student-athletes and later became a professor in health and science. However, he struggled with his health for several periods.

He was involved in a severe accident in 2000 and was later diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in 2005. He was given six months to live, but he defied all odds and lived for another decade and a half.

After his shocking death, Robinson was described by USA Track and Field as one of the greatest long jumpers in history. With such a long list of accomplishments, it is no surprise that his legacy is yet to be forgotten.