| Al was one of the most successful athletes in Olympic track and field history. He remains one of only two men to have won individual event gold medals in four consecutive Olympics.
Al was the consummate big meet competitor; three of his Olympic victories required PR throws. In 1962, Al was the first thrower to break the 200 foot barrier. After retiring for several years, he returned to competition in 1980, and just missed qualifying for his fifth Olympic team, finishing 4th at the 1980 Olympic Trials. It was during this comeback year that Al established his PR. He continued to compete for several more years, and remained competitive with the world's best throwers through his 49th birthday. |
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