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Back to Athlete Bios

Joe Kovacs

Basic Information

  • Gender: Male
  • Born: 6/28/1989
  • Status: Active

Residences

  • Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania
  • High School: Bethlehem Catholic High School
  • College: Penn State University

Athlete Info

  • Event: Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
  • Coach: Ashley Kovacs
  • Agent: Merhawi (Hawi) Keflezighi
  • Sponsor: Velaasa / NYAC

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Joe Kovacs is an only child, son of Joseph and Joanna Kovacs both of whom were school teachers. His father died from colon cancer when Joe was seven and his grandmother died of a heart attack the following day. Kovacs’ mother was a twelve time district champion in high school with shot put, discus, and javelin. Kovacs started throwing shot put in high school to stay in shape for football, but his high school didn’t have track facilities. Instead, Kovacs made his own throwing circle in the school parking lot. He had a breakout season in 2015, capturing the USATF outdoor, world outdoor and Diamond League shot put titles, and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the world in shot put. Won the 2019 World title in what is considered to be one of the greatest shot put competitions of all time. He speaks German, enjoys playing golf during his time off, is an investor in drone technology and solar companies and has traveled to more than 30 countries. Kovacs also has a pilot's license. 

World Athletics Championships:

  • 2019 IAAF World Championship, gold

  • 2017 IAAF World Championship, silver

  • 2015 IAAF World Championship, gold

Olympic Games:

  • 2016 Olympic Games, silver

Other Career Highlights: 

  • 2019 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships, silver

  • 2019 Toyota USATF Indoor Championships, silver

  • 2018 USATF Outdoor Championships, 5th

  • 2017 USATF Outdoor Championships, silver

  • 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, silver

  • 2015 USATF Outdoor Championships, gold

  • 2014 USATF Outdoor Championships, gold

  • 2014 Continental Cup, bronze

  • 2014 USATF Indoor Championships, bronze

  • 2013 USATF Outdoor Championships, 6th

  • 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships, 4th

  • 2012 USATF Outdoor Championships, 4th

  • 2012 USATF Indoor Championships, 6th
  • ​2011 USATF Outdoor Championships, bronze

​If you have any requested updates please reach out to Communications@usatf.org.

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