Mac Wilkins

Mac Wilkins' greatest year was undoubtedly 1976. Apart from his Olympic gold medal he bettered the world record four times and three of those records came in one inspired competition. After setting a world record of 226-11½ (69.18) in April, he went to San José in May and, with each of his first three throws, progressively improved that record. Wilkins opened with 229-0 (69.80); then threw 230-5½, which, at 70.24 m., was the first-ever 70 meter throw; and on his third attempt he took the record up to 232-5½ (70.85). Wilkins has been called America's greatest all-round thrower, although this sobriquet omits such oldtimers as Martin Sheridan and Ralph Rose. Still, Wilkins' versatility is impressive. He began as a javelin thrower for the Oregon track team, placing third in the 1973 NCAA and 1977 AAU indoor shot put events. He also threw the hammer, but all his big titles came with the disc. He took the AAU title six times, the NCAA championship in 1973, and won a Pan American discus gold medal in 1979.

Personal Bests: SP – 69-1¼i (21.06i) (1977); DT – 70.98 (1980); HT – 208-10 (63.65) (1977); JT – 257-4 (78.43) (1970).