Karl Salb
- Born
- May 19, 1949 (77 years old)
- Events
- Shot Put
Karl Salb (born May 19, 1949) is a retired American shot putter. Competing for the University of Kansas he won six successive NCAA Championships, three each Indoors and Outdoors.
No other athlete has won more than four. Additionally, he finished fourth at the Olympic Trials in 1968 and sixth in 1972.
He was also the 1971 United States champion. In an era when there was no money to be made in amateur track and field, Salb was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 14th round of the 1972 NFL draft. The married "Gentle Giant" chose not to pursue the sport and remain an amateur. While competing for Crossett High School in 1967, Salb set the National High School Record for the shot put at 69' 7" Salb was inducted into the USTFCCCA Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame in 2024.
As of Oct 28, 2026: Shot Put 20.97 (#227 all-time), 1976 season best 19.11 (Apr 25, 1976, Atlanta, GA (USA)) · 77 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | SP | 19.11 | – | Apr 25, 1976 | Atlanta, GA (USA) |
| 1975 | SP | 20.43 | – | May 10, 1975 | El Paso, TX (USA) |
| 1974 | SP Indoor | 20.88 | – | Feb 22, 1974 | Salt Lake City, UT (USA) (i) |
| 1974 | SP | 20.88 | – | Feb 22, 1974 | – |
| 1973 | SP | 20.97 | – | Apr 7, 1973 | – |
| 1972 | SP | 20.08 | – | Jul 8, 1972 | Eugene, OR (USA) |
| 1970 | SP | 20.56 | – | Feb 14, 1970 | – |
| 1970 | SP Indoor | 20.56 | – | Feb 14, 1970 | Houston, TX (USA) (i) |