The Knoxville Public Library held Olympic Story Time with 1980 Olympic qualifier Randy Wilson on Thursday.

Wilson came to the library and read Olympic themed stories to a group of kids and answered questions about his own experience qualifying for the Olympics. Wilson was not able to participate in the 1980 Olympics due to the United States boycott of those games during the Cold War with Russia. Wilson, the Knoxville native, is widely considered one of the greatest track and field athletes to ever come out of Iowa. Wilson’s track jerseys from Knoxville High School, University of Oklahoma, and the United States Olympic team are on display at the library in a case along with his Olympic jacket and a team medal. Wilson says he enjoys coming back and doing events like this and he is proud of his Knoxville roots. 

“I’m a Knoxville Panther. I just happen to not coach at Knoxville anymore, but I’m still a Knoxville Panther. What the school district has done to fix up Randy Wilson Track for future track events, soccer events, and football games it’s just a great thing for our community and the kids of our community.”

Wilson continues to hold the 800 meter record at the Drake Relays, a record that has stood since 1978. He also serves as a track and field official across the nation and is an assistant coach with the Pella Dutch boys varsity team.