Tyke in 2011 looked heavy. Hope he’s lighter now.
In 1984, former KU jumper
Tyke Peacock cleared 7-4 1/2 in his sweats to make the finals of the Los Angeles Olympic Trials. But the day of the final, he bombed out. Injury was claimed. The truth — told 30 years later — was Tyke feared being drug-tested and banned. In an
amazing story, in an Illinois paper, Tyke’s fight with cocaine addiction is told. “I faked the injury,” Tyke says now. “I knew I would not pass a drug test. I held that dirty secret for so many years. That’s what kept me high, to hold that to myself. Until I was able to speak the words to someone else, I didn’t feel true freedom.” He also says: “There is absolutely no question in my mind I could have been an Olympic champion.” He’s now 53, “clean and sober for four years,” and he tells of the five operations on his right knee and another on his left that sapped him of his athletic prowess. “I could probably jump over a slice of bread,” he says. He went on disability. But I’ve seen this rodeo before, and I’d encourage Tyke to try masters track. It’s a return home, he would learn. Godspeed, Tyke. We’d love to see you.
4 Responses
I am a KU guy
I’ll send this to coach
pepin he’s the Nebraskca coach
Yes a jump thing
He
Should find Kevin knewll the sprinter
Or help out the jump crew at KU
Tyke placed basketball and high jumped for a school near my residence,in a near by town, in Illinois. I saw him play number of times since my son played during that time period.
I read the article in the Champaign news paper. I am certainly glad that his “new life” has begun.
He was an outstanding athlete and I wish him the best of luck in the future.
His brother, Turk, was a pretty good athletic also.
I interviewed Tyke Peacock in June 1979 the day before the Golden West track meet, for prep all stars, in Sacramento. We were casually talking and he mentioned he could jump and touch his head on the basketball rim. I asked if he’d mind showing me. He said, no problem, and went outside and with very few warmups was touching the rim with the side of his head. He also several times touched a spot on the backboard two feet above the rim. A memorable performance…
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