Peter Clentzos

Panagiotis D. "Peter" Clentzos (June 15, 1909 in Oakland, California — September 11, 2006 in Rancho Mirage, California) was an American pole vaulter and the son of Greek immigrants who competed for Greece in the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Early life and education Clentzos was born in Oakland, California. His father, a carpenter, and his mother had emigrated to the United States from Kythera, an island in Greece.

Clentzos attended the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the track and field team. For three years he lettered on the USC team coached by Dean Cromwell and that won NCAA team titles in 1930 and 1931.

Athletic career He tried out as a pole vaulter for the United States team in the 1932 Olympics, but fell just short of qualifying. His Greek heritage allowed him to vie for one of the 16 spots on Greece's team.

Clentzos' personal best in the pole vault competition was 13 feet, 9 inches. In the event at the 1932 Olympics, however, he cleared only 12 feet 3.5 inches, earning him seventh place.

Clentzos attended the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens as a guest of the government of Greece. He also ran a leg of the Olympic torch relay that year.

Death Clentzos died in Rancho Mirage, California at Eisenhower Medical Center. His death was attributed to complications from hip surgery.