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5 Discus Throw Videos of World Record Holders
Need a little inspiration to get through today’s training session or just looking for some good entertainment? Below are 5 motivating discus throw videos of world record holders.
Considering the most recent discus throw world records were set in 1986 for men and 1988 for women, it isn’t very surprising that there isn’t a ton of crystal clear footage available of the top performances. While some of the videos below are very grainy, you can definitely make out what is going on and it is still absolutely inspiring to see them.
Jurgen Schult
Why not start it off with the still-standing world record from 1986? Schult, who was on the East German track and field team, threw the discus 74.08 meters, or 243 feet in Neubrandenburg, East Germany on June 6. You can see footage of the throw below. Doesn’t it look like it is in the air forever? Schult would go on to win the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and add a silver in the 1992 Barcelona games.
Gabriele Reinsch
The women’s world record holder, Reinsch, who also competed for East Germany like Schult, threw a mark of 76.80 meters, or 251 feet and 11 inches in July of 1988. She finished seventh in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. You can see her record discus throw video below.
Mac Wilkins
Wilkins, competing for the United States, set the world record 4 times, all in 1976. The 4 throws happened in just 2 meets that were only a week apart. His first record was tossed on April 24th and he followed it up with 3 more a week later on May 1st. You can see video of him below throwing 232’6″ in San Jose, California. He went on to win gold in the 1976 Olympics that were held in Montreal, Canada. He added a silver medal in the 1984 Los Angeles, California Olympic Games.
John Powell
In 1975, Powell set the world record in the discus throw of 69.08 meters in The video below shows him competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics with a distance of 65.46 meters or 214’9″. Also in 1984, Powell set a personal best by chucking the disc 71.26 meters. Powell earned bronze medals in the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games while competing for the United States.
Al Oerter
Oerter is simply a legend in the discus throwing community and really track and field in general. He set the world record 4 times and, even more amazingly, was the first athlete to win the same event in 4 consecutive Olympic Games, with discus throw golds in 1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968. This is despite rarely being a favorite to win and being only 20 years old in 1956. While making a comeback in 1980, he set a personal best of 69.46 meters. You can see surprisingly clear highlights of his career below. Oerter, who competed for the United States, passed away in 2007 at the age of 71.
While there have been tons of awesome discus throw videos through the years, it is tough to top some of these classics from some of the biggest names of all-time. Which of these do you think is the best? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
