Michigan the Olympics

Seoul - 1988 - Calgary

Jim Abbott Pitched complete game victory in the medal game.	Greg Barton 1000 meter single kayak 1000 meter double kayak	Brent Lang 400 meter freestyle relay
Michigan's Gold Medal Winners

U of M athletes captured four gold medals in Seoul. Greg Barton became the first U.S. gold medal winner in kayaking, taking the 1000 meter race by .005 seconds in a photo finish. One hour later he teamed with Norm Bellingham to win the 1000 meter doubles event. Pitcher Jim Abbott left his first game with a lead but came away with no decision. He came back with a complete game victory over Japan to give the U.S. a gold in baseball, still an exhibition sport. Swimmer Brent Lang earned a gold medal as part of the 4 X 100 freestyle relay team although he did not swim in the finals. He also competed in the 100 meter freestyle.

Four other Wolverines carried on the Michigan tradition in swimming. Mike Barrowman placed fourth in the 200 meter breasts troke and Steve Bigelow 10th in the 200 meter backstroke for the U.S. team. Alex Alvizuri competed for Peru and Jan Olson was on the Norwegian team.

Mike Barrowman           Steve Bigelow            Alejandro Alvizuri                 Jan Olson

Jon Urbanchek           Dick Kimball   

Brian Diemer

Carl Schueler

Brian Diemer, bronze medalist in 1984, was eliminated in the semifinal round of the 3000-meter steeplechase in Seoul. Carl Schueler, former grad student in the School of Natural Resources, made his third U.S. Olynpic team. He finished in 23rd place in the 50 kilometer walk race.

Calgary

At Calgary, UM had its first competitor in the winter games since 1956. Hockey player Jeff Norton played on the U.S. team which finished seventh. He was a three year letter winner for the Wolverines, 1985-1987.

The U-M Results - 1988

Photo Credits:

• Greg Barton, photo by Bob Long/LPI
• Jim Abbott, Ath. Dept., Box 21, 1988, BHL
• Brent Lang, Ath. Dept., Box 43, 1989, BHL
• Mike Barrowman, Ath. Dept., Box 43, BHL
• Alejandro Alvizuri, Ath. Dept., Box 43, 1986, BHL
• Jan Olson, Ath. Dept., Box 43, 1986, BHL
• Jon Urbanchek, Ath. Dept., Box 43, 1986, BHL
• Dick Kimball, Ath. Dept., Box 43, 1988, BHL
• Brian Diemer,Seoul Calgary 1988, U.S.Olympic Committee Report
• Carl Schueler,Seoul Calgary 1988, U.S.Olympic Committee Report
• Jeff Norton, Ath. Dept., Box, 34, BHL

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Last updated: 7/85/2006
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