Ron Backes
- Born
- Feb 19, 1963 (63 years old)
- Birthplace
- St. Cloud, United States
- Events
- Shot Put
- Height
- 1.90 m
- Weight
- 122 kg
Ron Backes is an American retired shot putter born on February 18, 1963, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Standing 190 cm tall and weighing 122 kg, he was one of America's top throwers during the 1980s.
Competing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Backes won the 1986 shot put at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships with a throw of 21.01 metres. This victory showcased his talent among collegiate throwers.
His personal best of 21.02 metres was achieved in May 1988 in San Jose, establishing him as an elite-level shot putter capable of competing at the highest levels of American athletics.
Personal best · Shot Put21.02
1996 season best19.70May 5, 1996 · Minneapolis, MN
As of Oct 27, 2026: Shot Put 21.02 (#185 all-time), 1996 season best 19.70 (May 5, 1996, Minneapolis, MN (USA)) · 63 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | SP | 19.70 | – | May 5, 1996 | Minneapolis, MN (USA) |
| 1992 | SP | 20.86 | – | Jun 10, 1992 | Minneapolis, MN (USA) |
| 1991 | SP | 20.45 | – | Feb 22, 1991 | – |
| 1991 | SP Indoor | 20.45 | – | Feb 22, 1991 | Princeton, NJ (USA) (i) |
| 1990 | SP | 20.62 | – | May 20, 1990 | São Paulo (BRA) |
| 1989 | SP Indoor | 20.26 | – | Feb 24, 1989 | Princeton, NJ (USA) (i) |
| 1989 | SP | 20.26 | – | Feb 24, 1989 | – |
| 1988 | SP | 21.02 | – | May 28, 1988 | San José (USA) |