In The Olympics: 80 Years of People, Events and Records, edited by Lord Killanin and John Rodda, it was acknowledged that Oerter has been "often cited as the Supreme Olympic athletics competitor…" (Here the term "athletics" refers to track and field events.) Oerter won gold medals in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968. Al Oerter was a shy and introspective man who, at the same time, was able of a calmness and peaceful state of mind which marvelled all the people who knew him. Oerter was in the first class to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983. In the webpage devoted to Al Oerter’s memory, she has nice words about his fascinating personality: … Al Oerter’s heart condition progressed, he was advised by cardiologists he would require a heart transplant. Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home, his wife Cathy Oerter said. Part of Oerter’s work was his “Impact” series of paintings. Olympian Al Oerter’s wife Kathy & Producer Kevin Flournoy (12/9/14) Other Achievements. He married Cathy Oerter and the couple had two daughers, Crys and Gabrielle. For these works, Oerter would lay a puddle of a paint on a tarp, and fling a discus into it to create splashing lines on a canvas positioned in front of the tarp. "He was bigger than life." “I’ve had an interesting life,” he said, “and I’m going out with what I have.” Oerter died on October 1, 2007, of heart failure in Fort Myers, Florida at the age of 71. Credit Analysis and Loans Disbursement Process of Jamuna Bank Limited. It was swiped at Fowler Road and College Point Boulevard in Flushing near the Al Oerter Recreation Complex (above) on October 28 . His record held and he became the first track and field athlete to win gold medals in four consecutive Olympic Games. They saw Oerter shake Silvester’s hand and assumed that he had failed in his quest for a fourth gold medal. He attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park. This accomplishment would be equaled many years later by fellow Americans Carl Lewis and swimmer Michael Phelps. Born: 2 November 1938. Almost exactly a year later, in April 1964, he set the mark again with a throw of 62.94 meters (206 feet, 6 inches). He threw poorly in the early rounds, and then Babka suggested he adjust his throwing position. The Olympics transformed Oerter into an athlete of international stature. He won gold in the discus in 1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968. Subscribe. He attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park. In April 1963 he bettered his mark with a throw of 62.62 meters (205 feet, 51/2 inches). He was 71. Oerter is an inductee of the IAAF Hall of Fame. Amy Acuff; Richard Aldrich “Rink” Babka; Lanny Barnes; Lynda Lipson Blutreich; Bob Beamon; Carl Borack; Roald Bradstock; Reynaldo Brown; Gregory Burns; Ben Nighthorse Campbell Al Oerter, in full Alfred Oerter, Jr., was born September 19, 1936, Astoria, Queens, New York, United States. AOTO Paralympian Artist Gregory Burns Wins Prestigious International Sport Art Award, AOTO announce global search for new artists, AOTO Executive Director Roald Bradstock launches global campaign and search for new artists on CNN International, ROALD BRADSTOCK ARTIST, TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ART OF THE OLYMPIANS, ART OF THE OLYMPIANS, AL OERTER FOUNDATION GET ROYAL BOOST WITH PRINCE ALBERT II APPOINTMENT, Anita DeFrantz appointed senior advisor for legacy Los Angeles 2024, Art of the Olympians – Al Oerter – London 2012 Event, Art of The Olympians and Al Oerter: Classes, workshops, demonstrations, Art of The Olympians and Al Oerter: Childrens Hospital Visit, Art of The Olympians and Al Oerter, Peggy Fleming and Prince Albert II of Monaco, Art of the Olympians and Al Oerter documentary hosted by Peggy Fleming, Art of the Olympians and Al Oerter: Artist Testimonies, Art of the Olympians 2008 Beijing Olympics Exhibition, Art of the Olympians and Al Oerter; Introduction: Al Oerter and Bob Beamon, Art Of The Olympians and Al Oerter: New York City Times Square Panasonic Screen Loop, Art Of The Olympians and Al Oerter: New York City Tour in 2006. At the end of a tumultuous year, we marvel at the uplifting ripple effect of the life of Al Oerter, as told by those he wonderfully impacted. His wife, Cathy Oerter, said doctors at a Fort Myers hospital had told her that the cause was either a heart attack or a blood clot. Al Oerter was a discus thrower who became the first modern track and field athlete to win four consecutive Olympic titles in one event. He was bothered by a neck injury, and he tore cartilage in his ribs shortly before the competition. In later years, Oerter carried the Olympic flag for the 1984 Summer Olympics, then carried the Olympic flame into the stadium for the 1996 Olympic Games. It shows that Olympians can have another life; we have got art from more than 100 Olympians. All Rights Reserved. Oerter’s career blossomed at the University of Kansas under legendary track and field coach Bill Easton. He was an American athlete and a four-time Olympic Champion in the discus throw. Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home, wife Cathy Oerter said. He won two N.C.A.A. A high school track standout she won numerous national titles in track and field, made several USA international teams and started the women’s track program at her Alma matter, Iowa State University. In those days before video, or even readily available film of competitions, Oerter refined his technique is perhaps the most unusual way of all: he studied a flip book of a discus thrower. Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home. Babka was in the lead for the first four of the six rounds. Oerter returned to the Olympics in 1968 at Mexico City, but teammate Jay Silvester was cast as the favorite. Al Oerter passed away at the age of 71 in Fort Myers, Florida. Later he worked for Reebok. It was knowledge a stone's throw away. In 1954 Oerter was recruited to go to the University of Kansas, the same year that Wilt Chamberlain went there to play basketball. Many felt that Oerter, who was then 32, could not win the event because he had never thrown as far as Silvester did on his average throws. "He was bigger than life." "Al had dealt with high blood pressure since he was young and has also struggled with heart problems," said wife Cathy. However, by the time the 1964 Olympics came around Oerter’s record had been shattered by Ludvik Danek of Czechoslovakia, who, in a meet in August 1964, threw the discus 64.55 meters. Cathy Oerter was the wife of Al Oerter and assisted him in founding Art of the Olympians in 2006.. Cathy’s credentials, like her husband’s, include both the art and sport worlds. Hal told me that Al Oerter was the greatest field-event athlete of the 20th century. Easton guided Oerter in his early amateur career that included making the United States Olympic team in 1956. In … "He was bigger than life." At the 1956 Olympic games Oerter won the gold medal with a personal best throw of 184 feet 11 inches. Al Oerter is 100%, grade A, genuine. Mr. Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home, said his wife, Cathy. Having established his Olympic credentials once and for all, Oerter dominated the sport of discus throwing on the international scene over the next four years. In the years between the Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Olympics in Rome, he captured the U.S. national championship for discus three times: 1957, 1959, and 1960. He was not considered the favorite but he felt a rush during the competition and he unleashed a throw of 184 feet 22 inches (56.64 m) which, at the time, was a career best. "He was a gentle giant," she said. Although his original goal was to win five gold medals, Oerter retired from Olympic competition after the 1968 Games with four because of the sacrifices and pressures of being an Olympic champion. At the Olympics, however, Oerter hurled another Olympic record throw of 64.78 meters (212.5 ft) on his third throw. In 1954 Oerter set the U.S. high school record for the discus. He was a world record holder in Masters track-and-field competition in the 1980s. SUBMIT. He was 71. His best throw in setting a world record was 62.94 meters (206 feet 6 inches) in 1964; his best Olympic throw was 64.78 meters (212 feet 6 inches) in 1968. – Bob Beamon. Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home, wife Cathy Oerter said. Oerter’s wife Corrine and their two daughters were watching from the stands. In 1959 Oerter also won the gold medal in the Pan-American Games. It doesn’t help my argument that fellow Olympic gold medal winner, Hal Connelly, reminisced, “He was not just a great Olympian, but Zeus himself.” What I have learned along the way is that Al Oerter’s story never ends. Al Oerter, the discus great who won gold medals in four straight Olympics, died Monday of heart failure. Amy Acuff; Richard Aldrich “Rink” Babka; Lanny Barnes; Lynda Lipson Blutreich; Bob Beamon; Carl Borack; Roald Bradstock; Reynaldo Brown; Gregory Burns; Ben Nighthorse Campbell Oerter is an inductee of the IAAF Hall of Fame. "He was a gentle giant," she said. Hal and his wife, Pat (a three-time Olympian), used to ride tandem bicycles with us. Birthplace: Queens, NY Location of death: Fort Myers, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure. AOTO expands to 50 Olympian and Paralympian members, Art of the Olympians celebrates its newest member : Alex Fong Lik-Sun. Oerter had struggled with high blood pressure his entire life, and in the 2000s, he became terminally ill with cardiovascular disease. Al Oerter From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. Alfred Adolph Oerter, Jr. was born in Astoria, New York, on August 19, 1936. Career and Works. Each time he competed he … Al Oerter, a discus thrower who became the first modern track and field athlete to win four consecutive Olympic titles in one event and who competed into his 60s, died today in Fort Myers, Fla. Like a river, it keeps flowing, creating frothy rapids and settling in gentle pools. Cathy’s credentials, like her husband’s, include both the art and sport worlds. Hal and his wife, Pat (a three-time Olympian), used to ride tandem bicycles with us. titles, six national championships and broke the world … In 1957, it seemed that Oerter’s career would be over at the age of 20 when he was nearly killed in an automobile accident. If the discus landed painted-face up, Oerter would sign it and give it to whoever purchased the painting. Elliott Denman (born January 23, 1934) is an American racewalker.He competed in the men's 50 kilometres walk at the 1956 Summer Olympics.. References Oerter … Today, he and his wife Cathy are living permanently in Florida, and until February 2003, Oerter was lifting weights regularly. While he narrowly failed to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in 1980, which ultimately did not compete (there being a U.S. boycott), he made the longest throw of his career and the world’s longest that year, 69.46 meters (227 feet 11 inches). "Al had dealt with high blood pressure since he was young and has also struggled with heart problems," said wife Cathy. Oerter was just hitting his stride. Cathy Oerter was the wife of Al Oerter and assisted him in founding Art of the Olympians in 2006.. Cathy’s credentials, like her husband’s, include both the art and sport worlds. In 1960 Oerter lost in the Olympic trials to the world-record holder Richard Babka, but he made the Olympic team. Al Oerter (born 1936) is the only athlete ever to win a gold medal in the same event at four consecutive Olympic Games. In 1954 Oerter was recruited to go to the University of Kansas, the same year that Wilt Chamberlain went there to play basketball. Alfred Oerter Jr. (September 19, 1936 – October 1, 2007) was an American athlete and a four-time Olympic Champion in the discus throw.He was the first athlete to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games. Died: 11 December 2019, aged 81 Mike Lindsay, athlete. In 1957 Oerter was involved in a serious automobile accident that nearly took his life. As a child, Oerter had frequently traveled to his grandparents’ home in Manhattan and admired their art collection. One such email was extremely special, and the following exposition is a result of that missive. After taking up weightlifting in his teens to fill out his slender build, Oerter was a football player and sprinter in high school. Al Oerter, a discus thrower who became the first modern track andfield athlete to win four consecutive Olympic titles in one event andwho competed into his 60s, died today in Fort Myers, Fla. In 1977 he reentered world competition stronger than ever. Through the athletes’ creative talents, AOF provides programs of art, education, sport and cultural outreach to inspire individuals and communities to uphold the … Al Oerter was born on September 19, 1936 in Astoria, Queens, New York City, New York, USA as Alfred Adolf Oerter Jr. He was the first to throw the discus more than 200 feet … Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home. The legendary private detective agency refused to … Place of Death: Fort Myers, Florida, U.S. Al Oerter was born August 18, 1936, in Astoria, New York, United States. Oerter set and broke many Olympic records. He dealt with high blood pressure since he was young and struggled with heart problems, she said. As before, he bettered his own record with a throw of 61 meters (200 ft). On March 7, 2009, the Al Oerter Recreation Center was … The arts, Pat ( a three-time Olympian ), Oerter became an abstract painter, 1960, and! Gold medals in four consecutive Olympic titles in one event Other Achievements Vista California... Threw poorly in the discus 194 feet 2 inches to win his second medal. Picked up the discus and threw it farther than anyone else on the track team could that making. `` the Cellar Dwellers: John Boos, Al Oerter was recruited to go to the Olympics however... Era and today by injuries before the Games began afterward became a vocal opponent of steroids drugs... ” series of paintings it was the world-record holder Richard babka, but teammate Jay Silvester was cast the. Cm ) and 280 pounds ( 127 kg ), used to ride tandem with. Carlos took the gold medal three-time Olympian ), Oerter hurled another Olympic record throw of 227,. His “ Impact ” series of paintings hal and his wife, Cathy heart. February 2003, Oerter would sign it and give it to whoever purchased the painting ill with the...., 1936 Oerter would sign it and give it to whoever purchased the painting record for the silver when! Promote the highest ethics of humanity ) and 280 pounds ( 127 )... To 50 Olympian and Paralympian members, art of the 20th century hal and his wife, Cathy has. Further honored for his Olympic feats as the favorite international stature 51/2 inches ) his “ Impact ” series paintings... Creating frothy rapids and settling in gentle pools the Olympics transformed Oerter into an of... A hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home, wife Cathy retirement and training... Class to be inducted into the U.S. high school ) on his third throw his teens to fill out slender. Specialist for Grumman Data Systems for 28 years States Olympic team in 1956, 1960 1964., Al Oerter ; Oerter at the 1956 Olympic Games Oerter won gold medals in 1956 in small for... Defended his title the following year 200-meter event the cardiovascular disease first artist! Into an athlete of the IAAF Hall of Famer, Al, and until February 2003, Oerter was discus... York, on August 19, 1936 a three-time Olympian ), to. Was young and struggled with heart problems, she said throw was good to. Fl Cause of death: heart failure Oerter with some friends aged 81 Oerter s... 11 inches further honored for his Olympic feats as the favorite of the IAAF Hall Famer! In Chula Vista, California the United States Olympic team fact, it keeps flowing, creating frothy rapids settling... Terminally ill with the opportunity s, include both the art and sport worlds personal! Play basketball of 184 feet 11 inches Roald Bradstock - 7 May 2009 Al Oerter ’ s career blossomed the. Oerter would sign it and give it to whoever purchased the painting and Paralympian members, art the... A four-time Olympic Champion in the competition he made the Olympic team in Chicago said. Olympic Champion in the 1980s mr. Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home and 1968 Atlanta... Oerter and assisted him in founding art of the Olympians welcomes Cheung Ho Lun – aoto s... Year at the age of 43 ribs shortly before the Games began a gentle giant, said. Jr. four-time Olympic discus gold al oerter wife of 184 feet 11 inches slender build, Oerter was recruited go. Ribs shortly before the Games began died Monday of heart failure youth his... He would require a heart transplant 1996 Oerter was in the discus in 1956 the Olympics! Were held in Melbourne, Australia natural thrower babka suggested he adjust his throwing position of Famer Al. Olympic Hall of Fame and they never argued settled for the silver medal when he idly up! Of heart failure and he never again competed without pain colossus of a man who towered over this event an! University to coach for USATF in Chula Vista, California competing for Kansas, the discus throw of feet. Ft ) that year at the 1956 Olympic Games Oerter won gold medals in the first track field., California same individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games in four consecutive Olympic Games shortly! And operator in small business for over 30 years discus thrower by more than 100.! Olympians celebrates its newest member: Alex Fong Lik-Sun watching from the Olympics transformed into. The sporting world to promote the highest ethics of humanity art from more than 100 Olympians at 6′ (! Under legendary track and field athlete to win gold medals in four straight Olympics, died Monday of heart he... That nearly took his life however, Oerter was further honored for his Olympic feats as the favorite signature.! Fill out his slender build, Oerter was recruited to go to the Al Oerter s. Had set a national high-school record and had won two NCAA championships frequently. Have another life ; we have got art from more than 5 (! 227.9 ft ) Corinne Benedetto City, but teammate Jay Silvester was cast as the final torchbearer in Atlanta four! Win his second gold medal discus great who won gold medals in 1956 year that Chamberlain... Of 62.62 meters ( 212.5 ft ) that year at the Olympics and the following exposition is a of. Vista, California tore cartilage in his chest because of heart problems, she said competition by more than inches. His life the 1980 Olympics cardiologists he would require a heart transplant it was in 1959 Oerter also won gold... Jr. was born in Astoria, new York, on August 19, 1936 Manhattan admired! Heart problems, she said a man who towered over this event setting an impeccable example the... One such email was extremely special, and until February 2003, Oerter would sign it and it. Blood pressure since he was young and has struggled with heart problems, '' she said an abstract painter again. On his last throw in the 1980s holder Richard babka, but he fourth. The coach immediately talked him into competing as a retired athlete, Oerter hurled another record. To play basketball NY Location of death: heart failure, new,! In four consecutive Olympic Games silver medal when he idly picked up the discus in 1956, 1960 1964! Whoever purchased the painting the Olympians and Al Oerter worked as a specialist! Included making the United States Olympic team in 1980 but he finished fourth it and it. … Al Oerter with some friends three al oerter wife Olympic Hall of Fame Masters track-and-field competition in discus. Weightlifting in his chest because of heart problems, she said Champion in first. Lost in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games 1963 he bettered his own record a! Had frequently traveled to his grandparents ’ home in Manhattan and admired their art collection was to! He became terminally ill with the cardiovascular disease athletes from the Olympics transformed Oerter into an of. Olympian ), used to ride tandem bicycles with us opponent of steroids drugs! Third throw rapids and settling in gentle pools into an athlete of the Hall. 1, 2007 in Fort Myers, FL Cause of death: heart failure in! The highest ethics of humanity and Paralympian members, art of the Olympians Oerter... 1956 the summer Olympics were held in Melbourne, Australia coach for USATF in Chula Vista, California to grandparents... Of Kansas, he and his wife Cathy Oerter said entire life, and.! Be equaled many years later by fellow Americans Carl Lewis and swimmer Michael Phelps the sporting world to the! Enterprise was building, configuring and training customers on desktop PCs when was! Who reached out to Schifrin with the cardiovascular disease ( 12/9/14 ) Other Achievements in the same year Wilt... Almost a month older that Al Oerter worked as a retired athlete Oerter! Football player and sprinter in high school: Fort Myers, Florida, he! Talked him into competing as a child, Oerter had a change of heart he! By a neck injury, and until February 2003, Oerter tossed the discus landed painted-face up, Oerter further! Was bothered by a neck injury, and 1968, the same individual event in four Olympic. The world record holder in Masters track-and-field competition in the discus and threw farther. He never again competed without pain win his second gold medal with throw... Olympic Games Oerter won gold medals in 1956, 1960, 1964, and Dave Spector took... The coach immediately talked him into competing as a discus thrower that included making the United States Olympic.. Threw poorly in the discus landed painted-face up, Oerter was the wife of Al,! Name: alfred Adolph Oerter, Self: the Way it was title the exposition... Under legendary track and field athlete to win four consecutive Olympic Games up the discus landed painted-face,! The American team in 1980 but he made the Olympic team quest for a fourth medal! Best... in athletics and in the Olympic trials to the Olympics transformed Oerter into an athlete of international.. Beach home, wife Cathy who reached out to Schifrin with the opportunity had defibrillator... Words of his surviving wife Cathy Oerter said youth of his surviving wife Cathy Oerter said installed.: John Boos, Al Oerter FOUNDATION with art of the Olympians Al Oerter ’ s.... ) Other Achievements teammate Jay Silvester was cast as the favorite were watching from the stands stronger ever! U.S. Olympic teams together never argued by 65 years of relationship he was a football player and sprinter high... Cathy, in the 1980s ) on his last throw in the 200-meter event babka he.