Leo Joseph SEXTON

Having twice set world indoor records early in 1932, Leo Sexton came within two inches of the outdoor record in winning the 1932 Olympic title. One month later he became the holder of both the indoor and outdoor records with a put of 53-0½ (16.17) at the Nassau Fireman’s Games at Freeport, Long Island. Sexton, a Georgetown grad, won the IC4A title in 1929 and to his 1932 AAU title he added two AAU indoor championships. As befitted his physique – he stood 6-4 (1.93) and weighed 240 lbs. (109 kg.) – Sexton began his career as a weight thrower, and he was the AAU indoor 56 lb. weight champion in 1932. Despite his build, Sexton was a finely coordinated athlete and in 1929 he cleared 6-4 in the high jump. Leo Sexton later had a successful insurance career, eventually becoming vice-president of a company in his hometown of Perry Oklahoma.

Personal Best: SP - 16.16 (1932).