Wilbur Thompson

Wilbur Marvin "Moose" Thompson (April 6, 1921 – December 25, 2013) was an American shot putter who won a gold medal at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

Wilbur Thompson
Thompson at the 1948 Olympics
Personal information
BornApril 6, 1921
Frankfort, South Dakota, U.S.
DiedDecember 25, 2013 (aged 92)
Long Beach, California, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Southern California.[1]
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight89 kg (196 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)Shot put, discus throw
ClubILAAC, Los Angeles
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)SP – 17.12 m (1948)
DT – 46.89 m (1942)[2][3]
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
1948 London Shot put

While studying at Modesto Junior College, Thompson won the national junior college title in 1939 and 1940. He then served in the US Army during World War II, and in 1946 placed second at the NCAA championships. He held a world ranking of #6 in 1947, #2 in 1948, #3 in 1949 and #4 in 1950. Thompson graduated with a master's degree in petroleum engineering and later worked in the oil production and at the California State Lands Commission.[2] He died aged 92 and was survived by three daughters.[4]

His grandson, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, is a professional quarterback in the Canadian Football League.

References
  1. USC OLYMPIANS: 1904–2004, USC Trojans Athletic Department, Accessed August 13, 2008.
  2. Wilbur Thompson. sports-reference.com
  3. Wilbur Thompson. trackfield.brinkster.net
  4. Former Olympic Champion, USC Track And Field Star Wilbur Thompson Dies. CBS Los Angeles (December 31, 2013)


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.