John FitzSimons

For the footballer and doctor, see John Fitzsimons (footballer).

John FitzSimons
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  England
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 1966 Kingston Javelin throw
Bronze medal – third place 1970 Edinburgh Javelin throw

John Henry FitzSimons (born 12 February 1943) is a British former track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw. He was the gold medallist at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, winning with a games record throw of 79.78 m (261 ft 8+3⁄4 in).[1] He is a former British record holder and was the first British man to throw the javelin beyond eighty metres.[2] His personal best is 81.92 m (268 ft 9 in).[3]

He was the 1964 winner of the AAA Championships and was runner-up tin Finland's Jorma Kinnunen in 1966.[4] As well as his 1966 gold, he returned to win a bronze medal at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games, helping England to the first ever medal sweep of the javelin by a nation, alongside compatriots Dave Travis and John McSorley.[5] He represented Great Britain at the 1966 European Athletics Championships but ranked only 22nd overall.[6]

He also played minor counties cricket for Berkshire from 1960–1962, making eight appearances in the Minor Counties Championship.[7]

International competitions

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Year Competition Venue Position Notes
1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games Kingston, Jamaica 1st 79.78 m GR
European Championships Budapest, Hungary 22nd 68.86 m
1970 British Commonwealth Games Edinburgh, United Kingdom 3rd 73.20 m

References

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  1. ^ Commonwealth Games: Men’s javelin. Athletics Weekly (2014-07-23). Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  2. ^ Track Stats - Colin Smith Britain’s javelin maestro: almost 60 years of competition and coaching. NUTS (December 2011). Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  3. ^ John FitzSimons. Track and Field Brinkster. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  4. ^ AAA Championships. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  5. ^ COmmonwealth Games (Men). GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  6. ^ Men Javelin Throw Athletics VIII European Championships 1966 Budapest (HUN) - Friday 02.09. Todor66. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  7. ^ "Minor Counties Championship Matches played by John FitzSimons". CricketArchive. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
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