Rev. Gilbert "Gil" Dodds ’45

In the Scotlight

Rev. Gilbert “Gil” Dodds ’45

The world knew “Gil” Dodds as “The Flying Parson” and “The Iron Deacon” for he was both an ordained minister and the best American miler of his time. In the 1940s, he was virtually unbeatable, winning 21 straight races for the indoor mile and breaking the world record for that same race three times (twice while he was a Gordon Divinity School student). His career best of 4:05.3 stayed in the world record book for six years. It also earned him a spot in the 1,500-meter race at the 1948 Olympic Trials— although an injury to his Achilles tendon prevented him from competing in the qualifying meet. Shortly after, Dodd retired from competitive running. For the rest of his life, he worked as an evangelist, a track and cross country coach for Wheaton College and a high school guidance counselor. In addition to his legacy as “The Flying Parson,” Dodd is remembered for giving running demonstrations and sharing his testimony as part of the early Youth for Christ rallies—and for never racing on Sundays.