JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Bob Hayes is widely regarded as one of Jacksonville’s greatest athletes, as he is the only person in history to win two Olympic gold medals and a Super Bowl ring.
Now, his alma mater is making sure future generations never forget where his journey began.
Matthew Gilbert Middle School unveiled a newly named track and field in Hayes’ honor, solidifying a legacy that has long been celebrated in Jacksonville. The dedication brought together family, community members, school officials, and even a track meet.
For Hayes’ daughter, Westine Lodge, the moment was deeply emotional.
“Yesterday we mourned, but today we are dancing,” Lodge said.
Hayes attended Matthew Gilbert when it was a high school, graduating in 1960. Lodge says the dedication is something her family has been waiting for.
“To come back and to have this track dedicated in his honor is just a blessing. Words can’t describe how I feel right now, but I think my family’s happy, everybody’s happy,” she said.
Perhaps the most striking detail of the dedication: the track and field didn’t exist when Hayes was a student there. He trained without one.
“He practiced on the street. He ran on the dirt,” Lodge explained. “And then I think the first time when he got to Florida A&M, they had a track...But here in Jacksonville, he did not run on the track.”
Duval County School Board Member Reginald Blount, District 5, reflected on what the moment means for the city.
“I think it is good for the city,” he said. “I think it is a good thing for athletic track and field. And to actually honor him for the accomplishments that he did, being a two-time gold medal winner and a Super Bowl winner. No one else in the world has done that."
A track meet took place immediately following the unveiling, already putting the new facility to use and paying tribute to Hayes’ competitive spirit.
Matthew Gilbert Principal Dr. LaTonya Parker says the school works to teach students not just who Hayes was, but how he achieved greatness.
“We try to teach them perseverance. You have to continue, and again, as some of the seniors said earlier, they didn’t have the track itself. They were running on dirt or grass or whatever they could, so just getting the kids more involved in those extracurricular activities. Help them have a better appreciation and understanding for what Bob Hayes did and who he was,” Parker said.