Tony Harlin dedicates M50 shot put record to memory of his dad
Tony Harlin, who took fifth in the 1984 Olympic Trials, broke the M50 American record in the shot Friday, throwing 17.34 meters (56-10½) in a USATF Masters and Junior Olympics qualifier at Monsignor Farrell HS in the Oakwood section of Staten Island. That improved the listed AR of 17.09 (56-0½) by John Nespoli of Tennessee. The story of Tony’s comeback two years ago and his recent breakthrough has been wonderfully told by Marc Maturo, writing for Nanuet Patch — an East Coast cousin of my left-coast La Mesa Patch. See Marc’s story here. Another masters mole wrote me: “Harlin’s series of six throws was 16.17, 16.94, 17.34, 16.40, 16.72 and 17.08!” The story quoted Tony as saying: “This one was for dad.” Some might remember this commercial back in 1984 starring Tony, now 53:
Tony is not competing at Sacramento worlds and is undecided about Ohio nationals, I’m told.
At the 1984 Los Angeles Trials, he threw 20.35 (66-9 1/4) to finish behind Dave Laut (70-0 1/2), Augie Wolf (69-8 1/4), Michael Carter (68-4 1/2) and John Brenner (67-10 3/4).
The Patch story also said:
Tony’s dad died at 77 on April 26 after nearly a two-year battle with blood cancer. This was six weeks after the untimely death of Tony’s friend, Thomas Boggart, at the age of 45.
“My dad was my biggest fan; I miss him big-time,” said Tony. “And Thomas’s death was a tragedy. He was a life-long friend.”
Harlin–who survived an operation for esophageal cancer in 2005, and then a freak accident at the spot where he had the surgery, nearly bleeding to death — said Boggart also urged him back into competition.
“He was tired of seeing me sitting around the house,” said Harlin, a laser technician at Chromalloy in Orangeburg. “He (Boggart) literally pulled me out of house and into the gym (Premier Fitness in Nanuet). I started to lift, got strong again. My son said you have a Masters division, and said I should give it a shot, but it had been 20 years since I put up a shot.”
Harlin did as he was told, and was practicing again when his dad passed. Devastated, sitting at home one day, moping, Tony was reminded by son that he had a meet that day, in Ridgewood, NJ.
“My son said, ‘You have a meet today. You told me, you told grandpa, that you were going.'” Harlin said. “I actually went there, had a good throw, 54-1, and that placed me in the top of my group in the country. And my son told me again that grandpa said I had to do this. I started throwing, and practicing. The meet (on Friday) was only my second (in the comeback). When you’re older you realize it’s all about having fun, not setting records. Now I’m doing both — having fun, and (breaking) records. (June 10) was a good day.”
Harlin, of course, has always had a passion for the shot, which began after he was tossed from the basketball team as a freshman.
“We had an industrial arts teacher, Ed Denton, who was a field-events coach,” Harlin said. “He said give it (shot put) a try, we will have fun. He made good on his promise.”
9 Responses
Funny how many american top-throwers choose not to compete in the worlds.What could be the reason for that?
STUD!!!! John Nespoli had it long enough. Now John can rewrite M55 and wait for Tony again in a few years.
Tony has someone named Ken Harlin (uncle?????) who used to work for the Up To Date clothing store in Poughkeepsie, New York. I remember a little of Tony from competitions in the late seventies. Go for more, Tony!
What a fantastic throw. And only your second meet in your comeback to the sport.
I wish you nothing but the best. Stay healthy, and remember what brought you back to the sport.
The spirit of your dad is truly with you. Embrace it and use it for all your inner strength.
Crush the records and remember to have fun each and every time you step in the ring.
YOu have already proven that you have nothing to prove to anyone except your promise to your dad.
All the Best!
Joe Kessell
55-59 Shot/Discus
Congratulations Tony!
Thad Wilson
Nanuet High School ’69
#1 There are 3 big meets this year. CA TX and Ohio. For me the Worlds are in my back yard. Easy decision. I think many are staying close to home. Tough economy.
Thank you all for your kind works … But the truth is, This throw was not Ratified so John Nespoli still has the record ….
Wow, way to go!!! a glider no less. Keep it going!
Charlie Roll, M64 shot put
There are two basic methods for throwing the shot put. The “spin” or “rotational” technique is the more complex method. The “glide” technique is more commonly-used and, with its linear movement through the throwing circle, is easier for beginners to learn. `
Have a look at the best and newest piece of writing on our very own webpage
<http://www.foodsupplementdigest.com/fucoxanthin-side-effects/
Leave a Reply