T&FN Special: The Al Oerter Legend, Gold Medal 1

This the story of discus legend Al Oerter's first Olympic gold medal—in Melbourne, Australia—as it appeared in the December 1956 edition of Track & Field News.

©Track & Field News, 1956–2007

Oerter Upsets Gordien

by Cordner Nelson

Al Oerter, 20-year-old beginner in the old man's art of discus throwing, awaited his first turn on the concrete throwing circle while he watched 39-year-old Olympic veteran Adlolfo Consolini throw 170-4, 32-year-old Ferenc Klics throw 169-9, and 34 year old Fortune Gordien throw 179-7. Understandably tense following these three veterans who had each placed in the two previous Olympics, Oerter said, "Everything built up inside me. I really was keyed up and felt inspired."

His first throw went 184-11, a new Olympic Record.

Oerter tensed even more at the roar of approval from 100,000 throats. He said, "1 had a hard time even raising my arm after that. But I never felt I had won until the last throw was made. I was always afraid Fortune would beat me. I knew he could."

Actually, Oerter is exaggerating. He had two other throws over 180 feet, both good enough to win, since Fortune Gordien's best come through effort, on his 6th throw, reached only 179-9.

Gordien, who now has lost three times in Olympic discus events he was favored to win, said, "I was a little disappointed. I threw the discus 198 feet in practice since I have been here."

Consolini, the 1948 champion and 1952 runner up, also had a tremendous practice throw which did no good in the final. After throwing more than 194 feet at the Heidelberg Olympic Village, he cut the inside of his right index finger, making it impossible to grip the discus properly. As a result, he was very slow from lack of practice.

The real battle was for 3rd place. Mark Pharaoh, the rapidly-improving Englishman with a best of 174-0, threw 172-3 on his first throw and secured his grip on 3rd place with 174-8. But Des Koch, the ex University of Southern California strong boy who only made the team when Ron Drummond withdrew, spun the platter out 175-8 on his third throw to take over 3rd place.

Then Koch improved to 175-11 on his fourth try, seemingly cinching 3rd place, inasmuch as Pharaoh was already over his head. But Pharaoh boomed hack with 178-0 on his fifth attempt. Koch stepped to the concrete as the next thrower and immediately sailed one out 178-6. Neither improved on his last throw, although Koch had a good one of 177-3.

When Otto Grigalka's last throw failed to improve, the all victorious Americans threw their arms around each other, hugging and patting like schoolgirls. Then old rivals Gordien and Consolini grinned, hugged, and patted. They had now each averaged 3rd place in three Olympics.

Oerter, a 6-3/228 crewcut blond, now has the distinction of holding the discus record for high schools, freshmen, sophomores, and Olympians. And he is far from through, having set his sights on Rome.

"I don't know how I did it," he said. "I was nervous and keyed up. Somehow or other everything just went right and this throw came out. Naturally, I was keeping my fingers crossed. I was sure Gordien was going to beat my mark every time he threw, but I guess he was too tied up. He looked it."