John Powell

John Powell began his career in modest fashion, placing no better than 11th in the NCAA and 16th in the AAU discus in 1968. After consistent improvement he placed fourth at the 1972 Olympics and won three AAU titles, the last in 1983. In 1975 he was the Pan American Games champion and set a world record of 226-8 (69.08). He made the ill-fated 1980 U.S. Olympic team and returned in 1984 to win a second bronze medal in the discus. Powell won seven U.S. National Championships – 1974 and 1975, and then five consecutive from 1983-1987. He won a silver medal at the 1987 World Championships.

Powell was a graduate of San Jose State University and initially worked for the San Jose Police Department for seven years after graduation. He later turned to coaching and served as the throws coach at Stanford from 1981-90 and also ran John Powell Throwing Camps.

Personal Bests: SP – 56-1 (17.09) (1976), DT – 71.26 (1984), HT – 191-11 (58.49) (1984).