Oerter set and broke many Olympic records. Saved by Pathetic Alien. Oerter continued to compete until the mid-1980s, long after his legacy as one of the great discus throwers of all time was secured, courtesy of his four Olympic gold medals and his four world records. Jay Silvester. Thru each of 4 consecutive Olympic Games, discus thrower Al Oerter overcomes extreme obstacles to garner the gold medal. Al Oerter: Athletics Alfred Oerter, Jr. (September 19, 1936 – October 1, 2007) was considered to be one of the greatest figures in Olympic track and field history. National Sports Centre in south London. Al Oerter, American discus thrower, who won four consecutive Olympic gold medals (1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968), setting an Olympic record each time. One of the great figures in Olympic track and field history, Al Oerter was the first athlete to win gold medals in four consecutive Olympic competitions. The Incredible Thrower. Olympic Athlete for United States of America. Alfred Oerter, Jr. (September 19, 1936 – October 1, 2007) was considered to be one of the greatest figures in Olympic track and field history. His third victory in 1964 was remarkable for the fact that he overcame the handicap of neck and rib injuries, but still managed to set a career best. Between 1956 and 1968, they were supposed to win discus gold medals in the Olympics. His throw of sixty-one meters (200 feet, 1 1 / 3 inches) was a new Olympic record and nearly half a meter better than Danek's best toss. Al Oerter: Athletics. Alfred Adolf OERTER, Alfred OERTER, Alfred OERTER JR., Al OERTER. Death 1 October 2007. Al Oerter, in full Alfred Oerter, Jr., (born Sept. 19, 1936, Astoria, Queens, N.Y., U.S.—died Oct. 1, 2007, Fort Myers, Fla.), American discus thrower, who won four consecutive Olympic gold medals (1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968), setting an Olympic record each time. He started his Olympic career at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. Elite American athletes didn't get to compete with the best from the rest of the world, many of wore the colors of the Soviet Union and the initialism CCCP. Four Golds. Al Oerter American athlete Alfred Adolf Oerter Jr. (1936 ? His record of three successive Olympic golds in two events lasted 108 years, until Michael Phelps surpassed it in 2016. Oerter won gold medals in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968. In The Olympics: 80 Years of People, Events and Records, edited by Lord Killanin and John Rodda, it was acknowledged that Oerter has been "often cited as the Supreme Olympic athletics competitor…" (Here the term "athletics" refers to track and field events.) He was the first to throw the discus more than 200 feet with his first world record of During his career he set new world records four times (1962–64). In 1996 Oerter was further honored for his Olympic feats as the final torch bearer in Atlanta. For many, the enduring image of Oerter will be his Olympic record-setting throw in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, in which he wore a neck brace and could barely walk to the ring because of torn rib cartilage and internal bleeding. Oerter continued throwing and eventually earned a scholarship to the University of Kansas in 1954 where he became a member of Delta Tau Deltafraternity. 10. In addition, there was the Pan-American championship and the five U.S. records that he held. Oerter, however, is the only one to set an Olympic record in each of his victories. He was a world record holder in Masters track-and-field competition in the 1980s. Oerter never saw the discus land. Alfred Adolf Al Oerter, Jr, (Astoria, Nueva York, 19 de septiembre de 1936). AOF honors and celebrates the character, principles and ideals of the 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Al Oerter. Oerter retired after the Olympic Games of 1968 but returned to full-time competition in 1977 with the goal of making the 1980 Olympic Games and winning a fifth gold medal. Our unique platform shows the connection between sport, art and the Olympics and celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic athlete, while promoting Olympic ideals and values. Yet Al Oerter is the only track and field athlete, along with Carl Lewis, who has achieved a gold medal in four different Olympic Games. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Al-Oerter, ESPN - SportsCentury - Three-peating wasn't enough for Oerter, Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame - Biography of Al Oerter, Al Oerter - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). During his career he set new world records four times (1962–64). Having repeated as Olympic champion at the 1960 Games in Rome, Oerter faced his toughest challenge in his attempt to win his third Olympic title, in Tokyo in 1964. He was the first to throw the discus more than 200 feet with his first world record of 61.10 metres (200 feet 5 inches). He started his Olympic career at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. Never before out of the United States, the 20-year-old discus thrower, was in the American squad that travelled out to Melbourne for the 1956 Olympics. Oerter began his discus career at the age of 15 at his high school in Queens, NY. Al Oerter, USA. He thanked Babka and … Al Oerter barely made the Olympic Teams and was never favored to win the Olympic Games. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). His work ethic to be at his best carried him on to Olympic victories. Descubre más del Olympic Channel, incluyendo resúmenes en video, repeticiones, noticias y datos sobre el atleta olímpico Alfred OERTER. He went on to win the gold medal. Ludvik Danek. He won gold medals in four successive Olympics and set a record in the discus event each time. Signed 1953 Barbarians Rugby Football Club Autograph Book Page Northampton RFC. He was lying on the ground, doubled up in pain. In 1956 the summer Olympics were held in Melbourne, Australia. FORT MYERS, Fla. – Al Oerter, the discus great who won gold medals in four straight Olympics to become one of track and fields biggest stars in the 1950s and '60s, died Monday. Summer Olympics, USA Al Oerter in action during discus competition, Rome, Italy 8/25/1960--9/11/1960 Consigue fotografías de noticias de alta resolución y gran calidad en Getty Images Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display 120 talking about this. Atleta estadounidense. Al Oerter. Oerter was born in 1936 in Astoria, Queens, New York City and grew up in New Hyde Park; he attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park. He also broke the world Record four times. Oerter was born Aug. 18, 1936 in Astoria and grew up in New Hyde Park, Long Island, where he … "His legacy is one of an athlete who embodied all of the positive attributes associated with being an Olympian," said Peter Ueberroth, chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee. He attended the University of Kansas on a track scholarship (1954–58) and won six national Amateur Athletic Union titles. Legendary discus thrower, Al Oerter was the first person in Olympic history to win four gold medals in four different Olympic Games (1956-60-64-68) and the only athlete to set Olympic records each time. Oerter and Carl Lewis are the only track and field stars to capture the same event in four consecutive Olympics. Al Oerter. 1. Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, 16th October 1964: Alfred A Oerter, American winner of the Gold Medal in the Tokyo Olympics 1964 for Discus throwing. Alfred Oerter Jr. (1936-2007) was the quintessence of Olympic clutch, winning four consecutive discus throw golds - Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968. Al Oerter, in full Alfred Oerter, Jr., (born Sept. 19, 1936, Astoria, Queens, N.Y., U.S.—died Oct. 1, 2007, Fort Myers, Fla.), American discus thrower, who won four consecutive Olympic gold medals (1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968), setting an Olympic record each time. Al Oerter, a discus thrower who became the first modern track and field athlete to win four consecutive Olympic titles in one event and who competed into his 60s, died today in Fort Myers, Fla. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images), Miracle man Oerter bounces back in the discus, Oerter makes it four straight golds in the discus. USA's Al Oerter haves the discus for an Olympic record and an Olympic gold medal 10/15, with a throw of 212 feet, 6-1/2 inches. Al Oerter's first trip abroad was an adventure to be remembered. As of 2020, he holds the record for the Olympic medals with a 100% record - 8 individual golds. Oerter competed, using painkillers and ice-packs, and broke his own Olympic record in the qualifying round. His comeback was derailed by the 1980 Olympic boycott by the United States, but Oerter did post the longest throw in the world in 1980. He won gold in the discus in 1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968. Oerter continued competing; for him the intervening years were primarily warm-ups for the Olympics. Corrections? Read the latest stories from the Olympic Movement across the globe. Al Oerter led the qualifying round with a new Olympic record of 60.54 metres. The United States' boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, decreed by President Jimmy Carter, left a hole in the history of sports -- but why? His best throw in setting a world record was 62.94 metres (206 feet 6 inches) in 1964; his best Olympic throw was 64.78 metres (212 feet 6 inches) in 1968. Oerter showed up to try out for the 1984 Olympics as a 47-year-old, but he tore a calf muscle after making the finals. Al Oerter is a four-time Olympic champion in the discus (1956, Melbourne; 1960, Rome; 1964, Tokyo; 1968, Mexico City) and a 1981 NYAC Hall of Fame inductee. Al Oerter, a discus thrower who became the first modern track and field athlete to win four consecutive Olympic titles in one event and who competed into his 60s, died today in … (ATR) An Olympic legend dies...the defending champion repeats as world champion in road cycling and a marathon record is set in Berlin. Al Oerter's first trip abroad was an adventure to be remembered. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. In the 1968 final he exceeded his previous personal record three times, winning with 64.78 metres. Oerter was born Aug. 18, 1936 in Astoria and grew up in New Hyde Park, Long Island, where he … A l Oerter was an American discus thrower that won the Olympics four-times in a row from 1956 through 1968. Oerter continued competing; for him the intervening years were primarily warm-ups for the Olympics. What is the world’s oldest annual marathon? Recognized by many as one of the world’s greatest Olympians, discus thrower Al Oerter won a gold medal in four consecutive Olympics from 1956 to 1968, returning to … Al Oerter (USA) DISCUS 64.78 meters 1968 Olympics Mexico - YouTube Al (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images), American athlete Alfred Adolf Oerter Jr. (1936 ? Olympics Discus Gold Medalist Al Oerter died October 1 at age 71. BBC Olympics presenter Steve Rider highlights some of the great Olympians from the pages of history. Al Oerter is pictured at the 1979 British AAAs Championship at the Crystal Palace. While he narrowly failed to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in 1980, which ultimately did not compete (there being a U.S. boycott), he made the longest throw of his career and the world’s longest that year, 69.46 metres (227 feet 11 inches). THE AL OERTER FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to educate the youth of the world about the values of respect, hard work and fair-play with a vision to encourage self-confidence and a passion for excellence in all avenues of life. Signed 4 Time Olympic Champion Al Oerter USA Discus Champion Autograph Gold. Fortune Gordien. Oerter took the gold medal in the discus in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968, setting a new Olympic record on each occasion, although he was never the favourite to win the event. Al Oerter, who died yesterday at 71, won gold medals in four successive Olympics and set a record in his event, the discus, each time. He won gold in the discus in 1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968. Oerter became the first athlete to win all gold medals in four consecutive Olympic competitions. He also won the Pan-American title in 1959 and set four world records, the first of which in 1962 gave him the distinction of being the first man to record a legal throw of over 200 feet (60.96 metres). Art of the Olympians (AOTO) is an Al Oerter Foundation (AOF) program run by Olympian and Paralympian artists. He was 71. Oerter began his Olympic career at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. During his career he set new world records four times (1962–64). Mindful of his injury, he knew he had limited chances to throw in the final. Ludvik Danek, throwing later, beat the old record but not Oerter's new record.In the final, Danek (three times), Dave Weill (once), and Jay Silvester (once) all topped the old record but could not beat the new one. 2007) breaks the Olympic record with a throw of 191 feet 8 1/4 inches in the qualifying round of the discus, during the Rome Oympics, 6th September 1960. He was not considered the favorite but he felt a rush during the competition and he unleashed a throw of 184 feet 22 inches (56.64 m)—which, at the time, was a career best. 1936-American discus thrower. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. A large man at 6' 4" (193 cm) and 280 pounds (127 kg), Oerter was a natural thrower… Al Oerter is an athlete who competes internationally for the United States. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Ganó cuatro medallas de oro en la prueba de lanzamiento de disco en los Juegos Olímpicos de Melbourne 1956, Roma 1960, Tokio 1964 y México 1968.… However he did win his sixth U.S. National championship in 1966 (besides the aforementioned three national championships, Oereter was also national champion in 1962, 1964). Oerter became the first athlete to win all gold medals in … Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Oerter and Carl Lewis are the only track and field stars to capture the same event in four consecutive Olympics. Al never competed against others---it was a test of his own capabilities at that moment in time. THE AL OERTER FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to educate the youth of the world about the values of respect, hard work and fair-play with a vision to encourage self-confidence and a passion for excellence in all avenues of life. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Who was the first athlete to run the mile in less than 4 minutes? With the exception of long jumper and fellow countryman Carl Lewis, he is the only track and field Olympian** who has won four straight Olympic gold medals in one single event. Al Oerter – Back to Olympus, is a project dedicated to the life and achievements of Al Oerter, winner of four consecutive Discus gold medals at the 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968 Olympics, and considered one of the greatest Olympians ever. For many, the enduring image of Oerter will be his Olympic record-setting throw in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, in which he wore a neck brace and could barely walk to the ring because of torn rib cartilage and internal bleeding. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. One of my very first memories watching sports was the 1968 Summer Olympics, held in Mexico City. After taking up weight lifting in his teens to fill out his slender build, Oerter was a football player and sprinter in high school. His Olympic accomplishments are legend enough, but the man, Al Oerter, is remembered by family, friends, and fans as a man of integrity, humility, and kindness. He resumed training in 1976, however. Athletics history is filled with great athletes, and truly one of the best was quadruple Olympic Discus champion Alfred Oerter (USA). Official Olympic coverage of Al OERTER. Multi Signed Sheffield Wednesday FC X7 1950s Football Autograph Team Group. The Olympics transformed Oerter into an athlete of international stature. Al Oerter, 1936-2007 As I was growing up, nothing in our household was bigger, when it came to sports, than the Olympics - especially the Summer Olympics. The inside track on world sport, bringing you the latest news and interviews from the world of the Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic Games. Athletics at Melbourne / Stockholm 1956, Mexico 1968, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964 Olympics. Go for the gold in this track and field quiz. Olympic Gold Medalist - Discus 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968 Al Oerter is the first athlete to win the same Olympic event four times in a row and the only one to set Olympic records each time. However, after that he decided not to go for a fifth gold in the Munich 1972 Olympics. Legendary discus thrower, Al Oerter was the first person in Olympic history to win four gold medals in four different Olympic Games (1956-60-64-68) and the only athlete to set Olympic records each time. Oerter won … He discovered his discus ability when he idly picked up the discus and threw it farther than anyone else on the track team could. Pg Tips Olympics Sporty Wrestling Running Keep Running. An Olympic legend, American discus thrower Al Oerter was the first track and field athlete to win four successive Olympic titles, a feat since equalled only by Carl Lewis in the long jump. Stories and articles remembering the legendary life of Olympic discus thrower Al Oerter. Updates? It was a clear, windless day with … His record of winning three golds in one event, lasted 60 years until Al Oerter broke it in 1968. Al OERTER - U.S.A. - Four times Olympic Champion. P&P: + £2.99 P&P . Alfred Adolph Oerter, Jr. was born in Astoria, New York, on August 19, 1936. Omissions? P&P: + £2.99 P&P . Oerter was in the first class to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983. Down through the years the United States had always fielded a strong discus team and that year Oerter's colleagues in th… After that Oerter won in Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968, setting an Olympic record on all four occasions. He was not considered the favorite but he felt a rush during the competition and he unleashed a throw of 184 feet 22 inches (56.64 m) which, at the time, was a career best. Florence Griffith-Joyner, USA On Saturday, June 30th Al entered the LA Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 Olympic Games. He began his track and field career at the age of 15 when a discus landed at his feet and he threw it back past the crowd of throwers. Six days before the Opening Ceremony, he slipped and fell in training, tearing the cartilage in his ribs and suffering internal bleeding. Born 19 September 1936. Although his original goal was to win five gold medals, Oerter retired from Olympic competition after the 1968 Games with four because of the sacrifices and pressures of being an Olympic champion. Oerter became the first man to win three medals in the event, all of them gold (through the 2016 Olympics, two other men have won three medals but neither of them won three gold medals). £9.99. Born in 1936 in Astoria, Queens, New York City,[1] Al Oerter grew up in New Hyde Park and attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park. The new Olympic Channel brings you news, highlights, exclusive behind the scenes, live events and original programming, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Besides, he did it in every occasion coming to the discus throw final as the underdog, to eventually beat the then world record holder, setting a new Olympic best in the process. Carter, a touchy-feely president by any standard, made a hard decision based on Cold War politics. AOF honors and celebrates the character, principles and ideals of the 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Al Oerter. Al Oerter was the first track and field athlete to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympics, a feat which has subsequently been equaled by Carl Lewis and Ray Ewry. He won gold medals in four successive Olympics and set a record in the discus event each time. Al Oerter (born 1936) is the only athlete ever to win a gold medal in the same event at four consecutive Olympic Games. In 1980 the 44-year-old Oerter finished fourth in the Olympic trials, but the United States boycotted the summer Olympics that year (held in Moscow), so it was all a moot point. The event was won by Al Oerter of the United States, the nation's fourth consecutive and 11th overall victory in the men's discus throw. Won the discus throw event in four consecutive Olympics: 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968. Oerter set and broke many Olympic … Al Oerter, who died yesterday at 71, won gold medals in four successive Olympics and set a record in his event, the discus, each time. Though active at a world-class level into his 40s, he fell short again in bids for the U.S. Olympic team in 1984 and 1988. His last victories are the men's discus throw in the Olympic Games 1968 and the men's discus throw in the Olympic Games 1964. Oerter began his Olympic career at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Oerter, however, is the only one to set an Olympic record in each of his victories. It was his long term commitment to excellence that was his greatest joy in competition. £23.99. Al Oerter (born 1936) is the only athlete ever to win a gold medal in the same event at four consecutive Olympic Games. 21. He was the first athlete to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympics. Olympics Discus Gold Medalist Al Oerter died October 1 at age 71. Alfred Oerter, Jr. (1936 2007) was an American athlete, and a four-time Olympic Champion in the discus throw. Oerter heeded Babka's suggestion, adjusted his windup and threw the discus 194-2 for another Olympic record and personal best. 2007) breaks the Olympic record with a throw of 191 feet 8 1/4 inches in the qualifying round of the discus, during the … "Rink" Babka. – Al Oerter. Al Oerter had spent two weeks in Los Angeles, a city whose literal translation is “The Angels,” and more commonly called the City of Angels. Oerter was the first athlete to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympics, a feat only matched by Carl Lewis in the long jump. He finished 5th at the TAC Championships in 1979 and 6th in 1980. Refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have questions. Up in pain delivered right to your inbox holds the record for Olympics... And Carl Lewis are the only one to set an Olympic record in the Munich Olympics. Oerter became the first athlete to win discus gold Medalist Al Oerter U.S.A.! 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