Discus legend Mac Wilkins ‘considering training’ for masters
Mac is the throws coach at Concordia University as well.
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One baby step for a man, one giant leap for Mac Wilkins. In reply to a simple query (“So Mac, when will you enter masters competition?”), the four-time Olympian, Montreal gold medalist, former WR holder, Hall of Famer and force behind the Concordia Throw Center in Portland replied, modestly: “I am considering training.” Mac isn’t the first discus giant to ponder masters. Al Oerter actually threw in masters meets in his 40s, and Jay Silvester makes appearances in his 70s. But Mac has a superhigh profile in the throwing world and his example could inspire many other former elites to resume competition. Mac turns 59 in mid-November, so he’ll be M60 by Sacramento worlds. So good on you, Mac! I guess you’ll have a place to practice.
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So, how far do you think Mac could throw the 1kg discus now? And how far after training for 2 years? Anyone care to guess??
A 1 k……probably like 300 feet
I’m a huge fan, but $100 says he can’t break the WR of 66.36m.
60m no prob.
it would be nice he wont remember me but when i started doing the decathlon in 1979 mac showed me how to throw the disc,im not the longist thrower but if you see me throw I GET A 10 ON STILL POINTS,THANTS mac.hope he comes out
I think it would be great for the sport if Mac threw in masters. I have been trying to get John Powell to throw for years (he has thrown further than the American record in practice). Wouldn’t it be exciting to see Mac and John go at it again at Sacramento? Both guys have stayed active with the discus and both are capable of beating the world record with a few years of training.
I hope he comes out, I would like to see it. I would like to see Mac break the masters(1K) world record at the Worlds in Sacramento. I am also very curious is to how far could Mac could still throw the 2K disc? (170ft+)
Mac, We met in the late 70’s. Were competing at the same time, I was 17-18. You were amazing and I am sure you are still up for the challenge. Best of luck!!!
Good luck to you Mac, b/c John is gonna come at you hard and strong. He’ll try and kill ya quick using his incrdible speed and determination, so if he hasn’t beaten you in the prelims you might have a chance.
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Mac was superb but he is a LOT thinner than he used to be (smart and healthy) and his big hand may have some trouble with the little 1k discus (what foolish admin decided M60s should throw the little discus? A 1.5k or 1.61k would make the vast majority of M60s happier. It’s not even consistent with the shot and hammer which are 25% heavier than the women’s implements.) I think his long levers and deeply ingrained technique will surely help a lot, but I’d estimate ~52-57m, not a WR. The 1k is hard to control and a stable 200+ foot flight is (presumably!) very hard to manage. I wish him the best and hope he proves me wrong!
I want to increase my estimate, now that I have played around with the 1k. I suspect Mac will be able to throw over the range I predicted. Perhaps 60m is in the cards.
The 1kg implement is unstable at the launch velocity needed to go very far. Too much power and the flight is like a wounded duck. Small hands, soft tough and smooth application of power as in the case of many of the best female throwers gives good results. Why do the world’s best from the old days even want to throw the 1kg? Let their records with a 2kg implement stand.
The 1k discus is difficult in many ways and thats why its great for older men. You have to work long and hard at so many other areas to succeed with this discus. Its a real challenge that I love, and after 5 years of throwing I’m getting the rewards. If you don’t like to work at something don’t throw the 1k. You can make up for strength in so many ways. Strength can be applied with body movement in relation to balance and timing.
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