John Flanagan (hammer thrower) facts for kids
 Flanagan posing with 16 lb. hammer weight in 1908 |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1900 Paris | Hammer throw |
| Gold | 1904 St. Louis | Hammer throw |
| Gold | 1908 London | Hammer throw |
| Silver | 1904 St. Louis | Weight throw |
John Joseph Flanagan (born January 28, 1868 – died June 3, 1938) was an amazing Irish-American athlete. He became a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the hammer throw. He won his gold medals in 1900, 1904, and 1908.
Contents
Early Life and Athletic Start
John Flanagan was born in a place called Kilbreedy East, near Martinstown in County Limerick, Ireland. His parents were Ellen Kinkead and Michael Flanagan.
Even before he moved to the United States of America in 1896, John was already a star. He held the world record for the hammer throw! In the U.S., he competed for famous sports clubs like the New York Athletic Club and the Irish American Athletic Club. He was also part of a group of strong Irish-American athletes known as the Irish Whales.
Olympic Gold Medals
1900 Paris Olympics
In 1900, John Flanagan proudly represented his new country at the Olympic Games in Paris, France. He was the only American who wasn't a college student to win a medal. John easily won the hammer throw, beating another American athlete, Truxtun Hare, by a lot. He also competed in the discus throw, where he finished seventh.
1904 St. Louis Olympics
John joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1903. His police job gave him time to train at the Irish American Athletic Club. During this time, he became a master of the "three-turn technique." This is a special way of spinning before throwing the hammer to get more power.
At the 1904 Olympic Games, John set a new world record in the hammer throw. He threw it an incredible 168 feet, 1 inch! He also won a silver medal in the 56-pound weight throw event.
1908 London Olympics
John continued his winning streak at the 1908 Olympics in London. He broke his own record again in the hammer throw, throwing it 170 feet, 4.5 inches. Another New York City police officer, Matt McGrath, won the silver medal that year. John Flanagan also competed in the tug-of-war event.
On July 24, 1909, when he was 41 years old, John Flanagan set his very last world record in the hammer throw.
Life After Competing
John Flanagan left the police force in 1910. He returned home to Limerick, Ireland, in 1911. After his father passed away, he took over the family farm.
He kept competing in Ireland and won his final international event in 1911. He also won the Irish Hammer Championships in 1911 and 1912. After he stopped competing, John became a coach. He even coached Patrick O'Callaghan, who later won two Olympic gold medals in the hammer throw!
John Flanagan passed away at home in Limerick on June 3, 1938, at the age of 70. In 2001, a statue was put up in his honor near Martinstown Church in Limerick.
