Athletics at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games:

The Soviet boycott prevented Imrich Bugár (TCH), the 1983 World Champion and 1982 European Champion, from competing. Also absent was 1980 bronze medalist and 1983 Pan American Champion Luis Delís (CUB). In their absence the American trio of 1976 gold medalist Mac Wilkins, John Powell, and Art Burns was expected to dominate and possibly sweep the medals. Wilkins took the lead in round one with 65.96 (216-5). But in round four, Rolf Danneberg (FRG) threw 66.60 (218-6) which would win the gold medal in a major upset. Wilkins improved to 66.30 (217-6¼) in round five but it was only good for silver. Powell did get a bronze medal, with Burns fifth, trailing Norway's Knut Hjeltnes.