Former USC High Jumper Became Famous Sculptor After Missing Olympic Dreams

Ernie Shelton dreamed of being the first person to high jump seven feet. In the 1950s, the USC student came very close to breaking this record. He jumped 6 feet 11 inches many times, but never quite reached seven feet. Today, Shelton is a famous sculptor who creates statues and artwork.

When Shelton was in junior high school, his teacher asked students about their goals. Shelton said he wanted to be the first seven-foot high jumper. He even put a mark on his bedroom wall at seven feet. At that time, he could only jump 5 feet 6 inches.

Shelton tried to clear seven feet about 90 times during his career. He was a strong athlete who weighed 170 pounds and stood 6 feet 2 inches tall. Every time he attempted the seven-foot jump, he failed. The dream seemed so close, yet so far away.

In 1956, something heartbreaking happened to Shelton. At the U.S. Olympic trials in Los Angeles, he watched Charlie Dumas become the first person to jump seven feet. Shelton ran off the track to avoid reporters and photographers. He did not make the Olympic team that year.

After the 1956 Olympic trials, Shelton lost his desire to compete. 'The magic was gone,' he said about his motivation to jump. He had been working toward this goal since he was a little kid. Without the dream of seven feet, jumping didn't feel the same anymore.

Shelton decided to focus on art instead of athletics. He graduated from USC in 1956 with a degree in design. Later, he returned to school and earned a master's degree in sculpture in 1968. He worked in a bakery and took small TV roles while building his art career.

Shelton's athletic background shows in his artwork. Many of his sculptures capture people in motion, showing movement and energy. 'I like figures in motion,' Shelton explained. 'I guess that comes from my athletic background.' He approaches sculpting with the same passion he once had for high jumping.