Once at the Texas Relays they had a special 100M field set up, with star sprinters. Lam won in what appeared on the scoreboard clock to be a world record. It was 9.8 or something. Then, they decided the time was unofficial for some reason and went to hand times, which were 9.9 or something, not a record. Anyway, I'll always remember that.
Brian Jones had Lam on his podcast last week, so I suspect the hospitalization is a recent thing. They did talk about the fact that he has been having some health problems. Brian
Hang in there Lam. I wasn't old enough to see that anchor leg in the State track meet, but I knew/know a lot of people who did and the way they have always talked about it with such reverance it has gone down in Texas athletics lore. They say he ran the Hill Country relays in Mason with bells on his shoes. Probably the fastest guy ever to attend this school.
A story of speed Johnny "Lam" Jones was one of the best athletes in Texas school history, winning an Olympic Gold Medal before he ever entered the University as a freshman in 1976. Jones, from Lampasas, Texas, at one time ran the fastest 100 meters in the world. He was a four-year letterman in football, first as a running back and later as an all-American receiver in both 1978 and 1979. In track, he still holds three school sprint records with a 10.14 time in the 100 meters, a 9.21 time in the 100-yard dash and a 20.14 time in the 220. He was the second pick in the NFL draft in 1980, but injuries shortcircuited his career with the New York Jets.
Does anyone know what is wrong with Lam? How about the hospital he is in? Can we start an online "get well card" that can be delivered to Johny? Man, we have to let him know that Longhorn nation is praying for him, and that he will never be forgotten. Let's make this happen.
I looked up to him. He was one of my heroes. The era with Ham, Lam and Jam Jones was special. Godspeed
I remember Lampasas scrimmaged us (McCallum) in his senior year; I was impressed that coach Royal was here at a HS scrimmage. I think Lam ran an 8.95 or 9.0 100 yard dash (yeah, we used to have the 100 yard dash) but it was later figured wind-aided. I used to see him on campus a lot as we were both freshmen that year, and he was one of the most impressive looking athletes in street clothes I've ever seen. Graceful. I went to the Rice game that year, in Houston, and it was a joke. Toss the ball to Lam, beat the man to the corner and turn upfield. (I think maybe Raymond Clayborn was the other halfback.)
I was at that state track meet that year and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Johnny Lam is truly a Longhorn Legend!! Get well soon Lam!!
Lam,Ham and Jam. Great memories. Get Well Johnny Lam. The Longhorn Family is pulling for you and you are in our hearts and prayers. See you at the Rose Bowl. We are out to slay some Trojans.
Johnny Lam was and is special. A one of a kind athlete and a great person as well. Our best wishes to you, Lam!
