| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing the  United States | ||
| World Championships | ||
 | 1983 Helsinki | 400 m |
| World Indoor Championships | ||
 | 1987 Indianapolis | 400 m |
| IAAF World Cup | ||
 | 1985 Canberra | 400 m |
| 1985 Canberra | 4 × 400 m relay |
| Universiade | ||
| 1987 Zagreb | 400 m |
Michael "Mike" Franks (born September 23, 1963) is a former American track and field athlete who competed in the 400-meter dash.
He was the silver medalist in the event at the inaugural 1983 World Championships in Athletics. [1] He was given the Harrison Dillard Award in 1984 for his achievements. [2] While attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he took the 400 m title at the 1985 NCAA Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship. [3] That same year he took the gold medal at the 1985 IAAF Grand Prix Final and two further golds at the 1985 IAAF World Cup in the 400 m and 4 × 400-meter relay events. [4] He was the fastest athlete of 1985 over 400 m with his personal best time of 44.47 seconds. [5]
He competed at the 1987 IAAF World Indoor Championships and secured the bronze medal behind Antonio McKay and Roberto Hernández. [6] Turning to the outdoor season, he won at the 1987 Summer Universiade, taking the 400 m students' title. [7] He was selected as an alternate for the 4 × 400 m relay at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics and helped set a championship record of 2:59.06 in the semi-finals (which was later improved upon when the Americans took gold in the event final. [8] [9]
