Sports

Olympic gold medalist, Arnie Robinson, dies after contracting COVID-19

Published

December 9, 2020

Olympic gold medalist, Arnie Robinson Jr. has died of coronavirus related complications after contracting the deadly virus.

Robinson’s son, Paul confirmed the news during an interview with San Diego ABC affiliate KGTV.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by Paul, Arnie the Hall of Famer died on December 1 at the age of 72.

Arnie first fell ill in mid-November, suffering from “labored breathing, coughing.” He then tested positive for COVID-19 but began to feel better,” Paul told KGTV.

He added that “out of the blue, he struggled to take breaths,” before giving up the ghost on Dec 1.

“You’re just in a state of shock and disbelief over how it happened,” Paul added to the outlet. “Respect COVID for what it is. Once COVID comes and closes in, there’s nothing you can do.”

Services for the Olympian are currently pending but contributions to the GoFundMe page in his honor “will seed an organization that will continue the work of supporting youth sports in the San Diego area.”

“Arnie has provided a path for us to follow to success,” the GoFundMe page says. “Let’s maintain and improve that path by continuing his work of supporting youth sports.”

San Diego born Arnie won a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1972 Olympics and a gold medal in 1976.

He also won a gold medal in the long jump at the 1971 Pan American games as well as a silver medal in 1975.

-People

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