Photo: Associated Press—Public domain
John Powell
- Born
- Jun 25, 1947 (79 years old)
- Birthplace
- San Francisco, United States
- Events
- Discus Throw
- Height
- 1.88 m
- Weight
- 110 kg
John Gates Powell (June 25, 1947 – August 19, 2022) was an American track and field athlete who specialized in the discus throw.
He set a world record at 69 08 meters in 1975, and his personal best of 71.
08 meters in 1975, and his personal best of 71 26 meters ties him for ninth place in the all-time performers list.
Personal best · Discus Throw71.26
1989 season best60.24Nov 18, 1989 · Potchefstroom
Medals3Olympic Games: 2 bronze · World Championships: 1 silver
As of Oct 27, 2026: Discus Throw 71.26 (#16 all-time), 1989 season best 60.24 (Nov 18, 1989, Potchefstroom (RSA)) · Olympic Games: 2 bronze · World Championships: 1 silver · 79 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Medals
| Competitions | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | – | – | 2 | 2 |
| World Championships | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| Total | – | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | DT | 60.24 | – | Nov 18, 1989 | Potchefstroom (RSA) |
| 1988 | DT | 64.10 | – | Jul 3, 1988 | Palo Alto, CA (USA) |
| 1987 | DT | 72.08 | – | Sep 11, 1987 | Palo Alto, CA (USA) |
| 1986 | DT | 65.94 | – | Jun 21, 1986 | Eugene, OR (USA) |
| 1985 | DT | 65.60 | – | Apr 28, 1985 | Walnut, CA (USA) |
| 1984 | DT | 71.26 | – | Jun 9, 1984 | San José (USA) |
| 1983 | DT | 68.30 | – | May 28, 1983 | San José (USA) |
| 1982 | DT | 68.32 | – | Aug 30, 1982 | London (GBR) |