John Gates 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 seven U.S. National Championships – 1974, 1975, and then five consecutive from 1983-1987. He won a silver medal at the 1987 World Champonships.

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