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Back to Athlete Bios
Athlete Bio

Jay Silvester

Basic Information

Status: Hall of Fame Gender: Male Date of Birth: 8/27/1937

Athletics Information

Event: Outdoor Track & Field Agent: N/A

Residences

Hometown: Trementon, UT College: Utah State University

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Athlete Profile

Jay Silvester set his first of four world records in the discus in 1961 when he threw 198' 8". He later became the first in his event to exceed 220' when he threw 224' 5" in 1968. He even became the first discus thrower to break 230'. However, his 1971 effort of 230' 11" was never ratified because it occurred in informal conditions and was aided by strong winds. Winner of five national titles, Silvester won the Olympic Trials in 1964, 1968 and 1972. He was also a member of the 1976 Olympic team. Despite his pre-Olympic dominance, he won only one medal -- a silver in 1972. He took fourth at the 1964 Games, fifth in 1968, and eighth in 1976. Three of those four times he lost to fellow Americans and Hall of Famers -- Al Oerter (1964 and 1968) and Mac Wilkins (1976). A member of 18 U.S. national teams, Silvester was also an excellent shot putter, recording a best of 65' 7 3/4" in 1971. After graduating from Utah State, Silvester earned his Ph.D. from Brigham Young University and was a highly successful coach there.

Records Held

World Record: Discus Throw - 68.40 m (September 18, 1968 - )

Championships

1964 Olympics: Discus Throw (4th)
1968 Olympics: Discus Throw (5th)
1972 Olympics: Discus Throw (2nd)
1976 Olympics: Discus Throw (8th)

Occupations

Coach
Academic

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