Nebraska Remembers Former Husker Great Keith Gardner

The Nebraska track and field team has lost a legendary former Husker with the passing of Keith Gardner over the weekend.

Gardner, who competed at Nebraska in 1957 and 1958, is regarded as one of the top athletes to come through the NU program. He joined the Huskers as one of the first Jamaican athletes to receive an athletic scholarship from the University. A three-time outdoor All-American, he was also a three-time conference champion in the 120 yard hurdles and the 220 yards for the Huskers. 

He broke several world records while at Nebraska and went on to excel in the sport after competing as a collegian. Gardner competed at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne and again at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome where he helped the West Indian Federation 4x400 meter relay team earn the bronze medal. He also competed at the 1958 Commonwealth Games where he won gold in the 100 meters and the 110 meter hurdles, silver in the 200 meters and bronze in the 4x400 meter relay. 

Gardner returned to Jamaica and continued to be actively involved in track and field as a meet official, Director of Sports at the UWI-Mona and the Director of Sports at the Multi-Care Foundation.