Gordien, a Former Olympic Discus Thrower, Dies at Age 67
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Fortune Gordien, a three-time Olympic discus thrower and former world record-holder, died Tuesday at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana. He was 67.
Gordien, longtime Claremont resident, suffered from a blocked artery in his digestive tract. His intestines were removed in January and he was hospitalized since.
Gordien held the world record from 1949 to ’59 but failed to win an Olympic gold medal. He was fourth in 1952 and second in ’56.
Gordien also was known a professional escape artist, card manipulator and illusionist.
After retiring from competition, Gordien coached track and field at San Marino High, San Bernardino Valley College and Mt. San Antonio College. He retired from teaching physical education at San Bernardino Valley last year after suffering a stroke, Shrum said.
He is survived by his wife, Aileen; twin sons, Mitchell and Marcus; son, Kelly, and daughter, Joli. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, Shrum said.
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