A former world record holder in the decathlon, Russ finished ninth at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Born in Monticello, he attended the New York Military Academy in Cornwall and later, UCLA. He broke the decathlon world record in 1966 (8,230 points) at the Los Angeles Times meet. He placed fourth at the 1963 Pan American Games and second in 1971. He was the top American decathlete in 1970 and ranked No. 2 from 1964-through 66 and again in 1971. Russ went on to coach and advise the UCLA track & field team for 25 years, He also served as a chaplain for the U.S. Olympic Team and was a regular masters competitor at the Empire Games.