Ves Balodis

In 1950, as a 17-year-old, Wes Balodis emigrated from Latvia to Australia via Germany. After initially living in Adelaide, in 1955/56 he moved to Melbourne where he also changed his throwing event emphasis from shot/javelin to discus. His progression was impressive in the new event, winning at the Olympic trials in October 1956. As a Latvian national, however, he was unfortunately ineligible to represent Australia at the Games. The Australian Government rushed through his citizenship, however, and he was able to take his place in the Australian team in Melbourne. At the Games he placed 20th in the qualifying round of the discus.

Over the next few years, Balodis dominated the event in Australia, comfortably winning the national discus title three years in succession 1957-59. At the 1960 Nationals/Olympic trials, however, he placed second and retired shortly afterwards at the age of 27.

Personal Best: DT – 49.77 (1960).