Buehler joined Duke in 1955 and contributed significantly to its integration, championing women's athletics and racial relations throughout his illustrious career.

During his time at Duke and the period of segregation prior to the civil rights reforms of the 1960s, Buehler struck up a friendship with Dr LeRoy Walker, the first black president of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), allowing his all black North Carolina Central University squad to train on the Duke track.

Then at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, Buehler helped transport athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith after being suspended from the national team and banned from the Olympic Village for making a gesture in support of the civil rights struggle whilst receiving medals.

He also helped Ellison Goodall form the women's track team at Duke, giving up men's scholarships in favour of female athletes.

Buehler retired from coaching in 2000 after having led Duke to seven Penn Relay titles and six ACC cross-country championships, coaching five Olympians in the process.

He also arranged for the university to host the USSR meet in 1974 and the USA-Pan Africa-Federal Republic of Germany meet in 1975, also serving as manager of the US track and field team in three Olympic Games.

Despite having an inoperable benign brain tumour, the 80-year-old remains a crucial part of Duke, leading an employee fitness group and teaching an introductory PE course.

A documentary, Starting at the Finishing Line: The Coach Buehler Story, by Amy Unell, and produced by Grant Hill and Ann Rubenstein Tisch was released in April this year to tell the story of this eminent coach and how he has touched and enriched the lives of thousands of athletes.

The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award is presented each year to an individual who has demonstrated a concern for mankind and exhibited the qualities of dedication, grace under pressure, personal sacrifice, compassion, hope, and dignity that characterise the promotion of human welfare and social reform.

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