Colossal effort in shot put
N.Z Preus .4
EL PASO (Texa
The Californian colossus, Brian Oldfield, who is 6ft 6in and weighs about 2601 b, has thrown the sl.it more than three feet further than any man in history’. In three efforts at an athletics meeting in El Paso he bettered the world record mark held by the Olympic champion, Al Feuerback (United States), three times. Oldfield’s best distance was a fantastic 22.86 metres (75 feet).
But Feuerbach’s world record of 21.22 m still stands. Oldfield is a professional athlete and performances by professionals are not recognised by the International Athletics Federation.
Oldfield has perfected a new technique which he calls the Oldfield spin, or the ogre’s orbit — in which he turns on himself one and a half times before heaving the shot. His three efforts broueht him 21.94 m, 22.25 m. and finally 22.86 m. Oldfield, who says he will clear 24.38 m using his new technique, could bring to the shot put what the "Fossburv flop” brought to the high ijump. ; After his performance. Oldfield, aged 29. said he w’as certain to set a new style.
He said that for the moment he reigned supreme in the event and would continue to do so until other athletes began using his method.
Colossal effort in shot put
Press, Issue 33840, 12 May 1975, Page 26
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