John Powell

Event: Discus

Inducted to Hall of Fame: 1979

John enjoyed a career in which he competed at the highest levels over a span of twenty years. He was a member of four Olympic teams, and just missed making his fifth team in 1988. He collected two bronze medals in Olympic competition, and also claimed a silver medal at the 1987 World Championship.

John broke the world record by two feet in 1975. Although he would not break the world record again, he did improve upon that mark, and in 1984 unleashed a throw of 233-9, which remains to this day the sixth farthest throw in history.

John was a six time national champion, and fell just one shy of equaling that number of victories at the Mt. SAC Relays. Many great discus throwers have graced the discus ring at Mt. SAC; John certainly has earned his place among them.

Born: 1947

• 1969: 6th, 191-6
• 1970: 5th, 189-7
• 1971: 3rd, 207-1
• 1972: 4th, 201-3
• 1973: 1st, 212-10 (64.88m)
• 1974: 1st, 207-1 (63.12m)
• 1975: 1st, 216-5 (65.96m)
• 1977: 1st, 219-2 (66.80m)
• 1979: 2nd, 210-5
• 1980: 4th, 211-8
• 1981: 1st, 211-10 (64.56m)
• 1982: 4th, 211-2
• 1983: 2nd, 219-10
• 1985: 2nd, 214-11

• PR: 233-9 (71.26m)
• Broke World Record:
  • 1975: 226-8 (69.08m)
• Olympic Bronze Medal, 1976
  • 215-7 (65.70m)
• Olympic Bronze Medal, 1984
  • 214-9 (65.46m)
• Olympic 4th place finish, 1972
  • 206-1 (62.82m)
• World Championship Silver Medal, 1987
  • 217-3 (66.22m)
• Pan-Am Champion, 1975
  • 204-7 (62.36m)
• U.S. National Champion:
  • 1974: 214-11 (65.50m)
  • 1975: 208-10 (63.66m)
  • 1983: 222-0 (67.06m)
  • 1984: 233-9 (71.24m)
  • 1985: 214-4 (65.34m)
  • 1986: 216-4 (65.94m)
  • 1987: 217-3 (66.22m)