Eric Randolph BARNES

Randy Barnes threw the shot at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics, winning a silver medal in 1988 and a gold medal in 1996. He also won two medals at the World Championships, with a silver in 1993 and a bronze in 1995. He was a four-time US Champion (1989, 1993, 1996-97) and won the US Olympic Trials in both 1988 and 1996.

In May 1990, at a meet in Los Angeles, Barnes threw the shot 23.12 metres (75-10¼), which, as of early 2017, remains the world record. Shortly after that throw, however, Barnes tested positive for anabolic steroids and served a 27-month drug ban, which prevented him from competing at the 1992 Olympics. He returned in 1993, however, to later win the 1996 Olympic gold medal, only to test positive again in 1998, this time for androstenedione, for which he was banned for life.

Barnes attended Texas A&M University. After his shot put career ended he became a long driving competitor in golf, qualifying for the World Long Drive Championships in 2005.

Personal Best: SP – 23.12 (1990).