Josh Culbreath, Norristown's Olympic Hero, Dies At 88

NORRISTOWN, PA — Legendary runner, Olympic bronze medalist, and Norristown native Josh Culbreath has passed away, the municipality confirmed last week. He was 88.

The champion 400 meter hurdler won several American titles in the event during the 1950s, and became a fixture in the Philadelphia area track and field scene in the years to come. He was inducted into the Penn Relays Track and Field Wall of Fame in 1994.

But through it all, he never forgot where he came from.

"Culbreath was a constant presence in the Norristown community until his passing," the municipality noted.

A Marine Corps veteran and head track coach at Ohio's Central State, Culbreath received numerous accolades during his career. In 1994, he was invited to the White House Rose Garden for a ceremony in which he met President Bill Clinton, the Inquirer reports.

Services are set for 10 a.m. on Saturday at George Washington Memorial Park, which is located on 80 Stenton Avenue in Plymouth Meeting.