Lance Deal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lance Deal

Personal information
Full name	Lance Earl Deal
Born	(1961-08-21) 21 August 1961 (age 63) Riverton, Wyoming, United States
Residence	Eugene, Oregon
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight	116 kg (256 lb)
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	Hammer throw
College team	Montana State University
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	Hammer throw: 82.52 (1996)
Medal record Olympic Games Silver 1996 Atlanta Hammer throw Pan American Games Gold 1995 Mar del Plata Hammer throw Gold 1999 Winnipeg Hammer throw

Lance Earl Deal is a famous American athlete. He was born on August 21, 1961, in Riverton, Wyoming. Lance is best known for winning a silver medal in the hammer throw at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He also competed in three other Olympic Games: 1988, 1992, and 2000.

Lance Deal's Athletic Journey

Lance Deal had an exciting career in the hammer throw. This sport involves throwing a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle. Athletes spin around to gain momentum before releasing the hammer.

The 1996 Olympic Games

At the 1996 Olympic Games, Lance faced a big challenge. In the hammer throw finals, only the top eight athletes got to have three more throws. Lance had trouble with his first two throws. His third throw was good, but it tied with another competitor's throw.

At first, it seemed like Lance would not move forward. This was because the other athlete had a better second throw. However, officials quickly corrected this mistake. The rules said that ties should not be broken in this situation. So, Lance got to continue competing! On his very last throw, he threw the hammer far enough to win the silver medal. He finished just behind Balázs Kiss from Hungary.

Setting Records

Later in 1996, Lance set an amazing record. He threw the hammer 82.52 meters (about 270 feet, 9 inches) at the 1996 IAAF Grand Prix Final. This throw was officially recognized in 2020. It became the American Masters M35 record for athletes aged 35-39. This throw is also considered a world record for that age group.

Early Life and Education

Lance Deal grew up in Casper, Wyoming. He went to Natrona County High School. There, he was a star athlete in football, wrestling, and track. After high school, he attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. He graduated from Montana State University.

Life After Competing

After his competitive career, Lance continued to work in sports. He used to be a throws coach at the University of Oregon. He taught athletes how to throw the discus, hammer, javelin, and shot put. Today, he works at the University of Oregon. He helps manage the track and field facilities and supports the sports programs. Lance is married and has one daughter.

Hall of Fame Honors

Lance Deal has been honored for his amazing sports career. He was inducted into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, he joined the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. Then, in 2014, he was elected into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. These honors celebrate his lasting impact on the sport.

Major Achievements

Year	Competition	Venue	Position	Notes
Representing the  United States
1988	Olympic Games	Seoul, South Korea	17th	73.66 m
1991	World Championships	Tokyo, Japan	13th	72.90 m
1992	Olympic Games	Barcelona, Spain	7th	76.84 m
1993	World Championships	Stuttgart, Germany	9th	76.20 m
1995	Pan American Games	Mar del Plata, Argentina	1st	75.64 m
	World Championships	Gothenburg, Sweden	5th	78.66 m
1996	Olympic Games	Atlanta, Georgia, United States	2nd	81.12 m
	IAAF Grand Prix Final	Milan, Italy	1st	82.52 m
1999	Pan American Games	Winnipeg, Canada	1st	79.61 m
	World Championships	Seville, Spain	13th	75.29 m
2000	Olympic Games	Sydney, Australia	16th	75.61 m

See also

In Spanish: Lance Deal para niños