John FitzSimons
British javelin thrower and track and field athlete
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Henry FitzSimons (born 12 February 1943) is a British former track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw and was a gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Born | 12 February 1943 Abingdon-on-Thames, England |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
Event | javelin throw |
| Club | St Marys College AC Polytechnic Harriers |
Medal record | |
Biography
FitzSimons became the British javelin throw champion after winning the British AAA Championships title at the 1964 AAA Championships[1] and was runner-up to Finland's Jorma Kinnunen at the 1966 AAA Championships.[2][3]
In August of 1966, he represented England at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, winning the gold medal with a games record throw of 79.78 m (261 ft 8+3⁄4 in).[4]
He is a former British record holder and was the first British man to throw the javelin beyond eighty metres.[5] His personal best is 81.92 m (268 ft 9 in).[6]
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.[7] He represented Great Britain at the 1966 European Athletics Championships but ranked only 22nd overall.[8]
He also played minor counties cricket for Berkshire from 1960–1962, making eight appearances in the Minor Counties Championship.[9]
International competitions
| 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 |