Mark Murro

Mark Murro was the first American to throw a javelin 300 feet (91.44), hitting that mark on the button in 1970 (although with an older style javelin). He was AAU and NCAA champion in the javelin in 1969, setting a collegiate record with the javelin, while competing for Arizona State University. As a junior he set three world junior records in 1968 (although they were not officially recognized at the time), finishing with a best of 83.21 (273-0).

At Essex Catholic High School in Newark, New Jersey, Murro had beaten the US high school record for the javelin, a mark that had been held by Terry Bradshaw, much better known as quarterback for multiple Super Bowl Championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. Before Arizona State Murro also competed for Mesa Community College in Arizona, also breaking the US junior college record. For that he was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1988.

Murro competed through 1972 but retired after not making the 1972 US Olympic team, although he made occasional appearances through 1976. He later competed in masters level competition. Murro went into the construction business near Phoenix, Arizona.

Personal Best: JT – 91.44 (300-0) (1970).