Discus Throw, Men

In 1968 the best thrower for the year was Jay Silvester. He would win 20 of 22 meets, including the US Olympic Trials for the second consecutive time. He set three world records during 1968, two of them ratified. In the qualifying round, he led with 63.34 (207-9¾). In round one of the final, two GDR throwers took the lead – Lothar Milde with 62.44 over Hartmut Losch with 62.12 (203-9¾). Milde improved in round two to 63.08 (206-11½) to increase his lead. After two rounds, Silvester and three-time defending champion Al Oerter were tied for third with 61.78 (202-8¼). Then in round three, Oerter broke the Olympic record with 64.78 (212-6½) to move into the lead. It would be good enough for the gold medal, but he continued to throw well, producing two more throws beyond Milde’s silver-medal winning 63.08 (206-11½). The silver medalist from 1964, Ludvík Daněk (CZE), won the bronze medal.

Oerter had won his fourth consecutive gold medal, never accomplished before in track & field athletics. At four Olympics, he had produced his PR to win the gold medal. At four Olympics, he had never won the US Olympic Trials. At four Olympics, he was not the world record holder. At four Olympics, he was never a heavy favorite, and was probably only a slight favorite in 1960. But he was likely the greatest competitor the sport had yet known. He was once quoted as saying, “These are the Olympics. You die for them,” and “There is no job, no amount of power, no money, to approach the Olympic experience.” His like will not be seen again.