Percy M. Beard was born January 18, 1908 in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. He went to Auburn from 1925-29. In his junior and senior years he began winning championships as a world-class hurdler. He set several records between 1928 and 1935. He was a silver medalist in the 1932 Olympics and from 1936 until 1964; Percy was the track coach at the University of Florida. He invented the all-weather track and brushed cement shot and discus ring used throughout the world. These inventions have contributed to great improvements in track records. He passed away March 27, 1990.
