Hal Connolly facts for kids

Hal Connolly in 1964
Quick facts for kids Personal information
Born	August 1, 1931 Somerville, Massachusetts, United States
Died	August 18, 2010 (aged 79) Catonsville, Maryland, United States
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	106 kg (234 lb)
Spouse(s)	Olga Fikotová (1957-1975) Pat Daniels (1976-2010)
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	Hammer throw, shot put
Club	Southern California Striders, Anaheim
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	HT – 71.26 m (1965) SP – 14.72 m (1951)
Medal record Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1956 Melbourne Hammer throw

Harold Vincent "Hal" Connolly (born August 1, 1931 – died August 18, 2010) was an amazing American athlete. He was famous for the hammer throw, a sport where athletes throw a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle. Hal was from Somerville, Massachusetts.

He won a gold medal in the hammer throw at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Hal Connolly was the first American to throw the hammer over 200 feet! He set six world records in his career. He held the world record for almost 10 years.

After his big win in 1956, Hal competed in three more Olympic Games. He finished eighth in 1960 and sixth in 1964. In 1968, he did not make it to the final round. He tried again in 1972 but did not qualify for the team.

Hal's Early Life and Challenges

Hal Connolly faced a big challenge from birth. He had severe nerve damage in his left arm. This meant his arm did not grow properly. As a child, he broke his left arm 13 times.

His left arm ended up being four and a half inches shorter than his right arm. His left hand was also much smaller. Even with this challenge, Hal became an Olympic champion. When he won his gold medal, photographers asked him to raise his arms. He only lifted his right arm.

Life After Sports

Hal Connolly went to Boston College and then to UCLA for graduate school. After his amazing sports career, he became a teacher. He taught in the Santa Monica school system for many years.

In 1988, he retired from teaching. He then became an executive director for Special Olympics. He worked there for 11 years, helping athletes with intellectual disabilities. Until he passed away, he coached young athletes. He also helped promote the hammer throw for future generations.

Hal's Family Life

Olga Fikotova and Hal Connolly at the 1960 Olympics

During the 1956 Olympic Games, Hal met Olga Fikotova. She was a Czech discus thrower and also won a gold medal. They fell in love and got married the next year in Prague. Their wedding was a huge event, with 40,000 people celebrating with them. The famous Czech runner Emil Zátopek was the best man.

Hal and Olga later divorced in 1975. The next year, Hal married Pat Winslow. Pat was also an amazing athlete. She competed in three Olympics herself. She was also a coach for the famous track star Evelyn Ashford.

Hal had children who also became athletes. His son, Jim Connolly, was a champion in the decathlon for UCLA in 1987. Another son, Adam Connolly, was one of America's top hammer throwers in 1999.

Awards and Recognition

This bronze statue of Connolly is in Brighton, Massachusetts.

In 1984, Hal Connolly was honored for his achievements. He was elected into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. This is a very special award for top athletes.

There is also a bronze statue of Hal Connolly. It is located in Brighton, Massachusetts. The statue shows him in action, making his gold medal-winning hammer throw from the 1956 Olympics.