John J. Flanagan

John J. Flanagan

The great thrower John J. Flanagan in mid-turn as he prepares to throw the 56-pound weight in the 1904 Olympics.

Falanagan, who immigrated to the U.S, in 1897, competed in three Olympic games: (1900-Paris, 1904-St. Louis, 1908 London) and won four Olympic medals, in the throwing events: three Gold in the Hammer (setting the Olympic record of 51.01 m) and one Silver medal in the 56-pound weight throw.

He also competed in the discus in Paris in 1900, finishing seventh.

The Hammer throw continues to be an ongoing event in the Olympic Track and Field competition but the 56-pound weight was only contested twice: the 1904 Games in St. Louis, Missouri and the 1920 Gamesheld in Antwerp, Belgium.

The 56-pound weight is, however, still contested in the Highland Games where it is thrown for distance and height.

---