Charles Austin high jumper

Charles Allen Austin, born on December 19, 1967, is an American former high jumper who won the gold medal in the men's high jump at the 1996 Summer Olympics. He was raised in Van Vleck, Texas, as the youngest of ten children. Initially, he took up high jumping in high school to afford college, clearing six feet on his first attempt and reaching nearly seven feet by the end of the season.

Austin earned an athletic scholarship to Southwest Texas University, where he broke school records and won the NCAA Outdoor Championship in 1990. After graduating with a business administration degree in 1991, he set the American high jump record but struggled at the 1992 Olympics due to a knee injury. He underwent major surgery in 1993, nearly ending his career, but successfully rehabilitated and returned to competition.

In 1996, Austin won the gold medal with a new Olympic record of 7' 10". Inducted into the United States Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2012, he is one of only two high jumpers (along with Javier Sotomayor) to win gold medals at the Olympics, Outdoor World Championships, Indoor World Championships, and World Cup.

After retiring from athletics, Austin ventured into fitness businesses, including So High Sports and Fitness. He also authored a book and set world records in the Masters category. His achievements include six consecutive U.S. Outdoor High Jump titles, three Olympic participations, and multiple team captain roles.