Powell, John G.
Track and Field
b. June 25, 1947, San Francisco, CA
At San Jose State University, Powell's best finish in the NCAA championships was a fourth place in 1969. However, from 1974 through 1987, he won the national discus championship seven times, in 1974 and 1975 and from 1983 through 1987.
Powell set a world record with a throw of 226 feet, 8 inches at the 1975 Pan-American Games. He finished second in the 1987 world championships and shortly afterward threw a personal best of 236-6, but that was below the world record at the time. Powell competed in the Olympics four times, winning bronze medals in 1976 and 1984.
Known for his excellent technique, Powell now teaches throwing and has produced several instruction videotapes.