George Rhoden first competed internationally at the 1948 Olympics but did not medal. He was a member of the heavily favoured Jamaican 4x400m relay team, but when Arthur Wint pulled a muscle in the final, they could not finish.

Rhoden set a world record in the 400m with 45.8 on 22 August 1950 at Eskilstuna, Sweden.

At the 1952 Olympics, Rhoden was more successful, entering as a pre-race favourite in the 400m as the world record holder. Rhoden narrowly won gold over his teammate Herb McKenley, who had also been second in the 1948 Olympic 400m. As the anchor runner for the Jamaican 4x400m relay team, Rhoden added a second Olympic gold, edging the United States by 1/10th of a second, while setting a world record (3:03.9).

Rhoden also won AAU championships at 400m from 1949-51 and as a Morgan State University student, won NCAA championships in the 220yds in 1951 and the 440yds from 1950-52.