Thursday, August 13, 2009

Discus Pioneer John Powell: Athletic Bio

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The Mad man John, showing good form.

According to Wiki:

John Gates Powell (born June 25, 1947) is a former American athlete. Powell set the 1975 world record (69.08) in the discus throw, his personal best, set later, is 72.08 m in 1984. It puts him eighth in the all-time performers list. He was born in San Francisco, California.

Nicknamed “Roadrunner” in his elite days for his speedy motion across the ring, he took fourth at the 1972 Summer Olympics, bronze at 1976 Montreal and made the doomed U.S. team to Moscow in 1980 before again taking bronze at Los Angeles in 1984. The 1987 meets appear to have been his swan songs on the international level – and he was banned from competition after taking part in a renegade tour to South Africa.

Powell currently runs several yearly throwing camps with fellow Olympian throwers.

Powell also currently teaches a few of his young champion throwers at UNLV every weekend.


Achievements

John Powell is a seven time US-champion in Discus throw in 1974, 1975, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987


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