John Powell

There’s a saying in Vegas that “the victory may not always go to the stronger or swifter man, but that’s the way to bet.” In the discus event from the early ‘70’s to the mid-‘80’s, there was usually a safe way to bet.

His is a career that has taken him from world class thrower to world class coach. In a career that most would envy, John Powell has established himself as one of the most sought after and respected coaches of the discus, after establishing himself as one of the best that the event has ever seen.

He as a four time Olympian, representing his nation in Munich, Montreal and Los Angeles, and as part of the 1980 Moscow team. Seven times he reined as US national champion, reaching 233’9 in 1984 – a mark that is the 8th longest in the history of the event, and remains, after 22 years, the championship meet record. He is one of only 2 Americans to rank in the top 10 all-time, world-wide.

Twice he has reached the medal stand at the Olympic Games, bringing home bronze medals in 1976 and 1984. In 1975, he was the Pan American Games champion, and set his only world record of 226’8 that same year. In 1987, he gathered a World Championships silver medal to add to his collection.

A clinician and teacher, he gives back to the sport through his clinics and throws camps that reach young throwers and coaches who seek to improve.