Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Al Franken, a highly influential track and field promoter and director, was posthumously awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in the Legend category. The plaque was unveiled during a ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a significant site in Franken’s promotion career. Franken passed away in 2021 at age 96 and is credited with revolutionizing athletics promotion in the United States and internationally.
For over fifty years, Franken organized more than 100 elite athletic meetings where 95 world records and hundreds of US records were set, featuring competitions with over 120 Olympic gold medallists. According to World Athletics Council Member Willie Banks, Franken’s innovations and commitment helped shape the modern athletics landscape and created a lasting legacy for athletes across generations.
The ceremony was attended by many distinguished athletes who competed in Franken’s events, including Olympic champions Maurice Greene and Herman Frazier, world record holder Eamonn Coghlan, and US Olympian Martha Watson. Coaches Ron Allice and Bob Larsen, as well as former Los Angeles Lakers star Michael Cooper and actor John Savage, also honored Franken.
Franken’s notable competitions include the Los Angeles / Sunkist Invitational at the Los Angeles Sports Arena and the Jack in the Box / Michelob Invitational in San Diego, which hosted numerous world-class athletes and landmark performances.
The plaque was accepted by Don Franken, Al’s son, who collaborated with him for 25 years and represented the family and legacy at the event.