US Olympic medallist James dies

Larry James, who won 400m silver and relay gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, has died at the age of 61, USA Track and Field has announced

Larry James, who won 400m silver and relay gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, has died at the age of 61, USA Track and Field has announced.

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James, a two-time medalist at the 1968 Olympics, died on Thursday of cancer in Smithville, New Jersey. It was his 61st birthday.

James, nicknamed "The Mighty Burner," won silver in the 400m behind world record-setting teammate Lee Evans, and won gold running the third leg of the US 4x400m relay team, which set a world record of 2:56.16 seconds that lasted until 1992.

James was inducted into America's National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2003.

After the conclusion of his running career, James remained active in athletics and the Olympic movement.

He served as the men's head manager for Team USA at the 2003 and 2005 IAAF World Outdoor Track and Field Championships.