Tom Petranoff, American javelin thrower and coach

Thomas Alan Petranoff, born on April 8, 1958, is a name synonymous with the powerful and precise sport of javelin throwing. This American track and field athlete, now retired, left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing remarkable talent across different eras of javelin design and international competition.

A World Record Holder with the Old Implement Javelin

Perhaps one of Petranoff's most iconic achievements came in May 1983 when he shattered the world record for the javelin throw using the "old implement" design. His incredible throw soared to a remarkable 99.72 meters (equivalent to approximately 327 feet). To put this into perspective, this monumental distance was nearly the length of an entire American football field, which typically spans about 110 meters or 360 feet. He held this prestigious world record for over a year, specifically until July 1984, cementing his status as one of the sport's elite throwers during that period.

Representing the United States on the Global Stage

During the height of his career, Petranoff proudly represented the United States in major international competitions. He earned a silver medal at the inaugural World Championships in 1983, a testament to his consistent performance at the highest level. Further demonstrating his standing in the sport, he competed for the U.S. Olympic team at two Summer Games, first in Los Angeles in 1984 and again in Seoul in 1988, facing the world's best athletes on the ultimate sporting platform.

A New Chapter in South Africa

In the 1990s, Thomas Petranoff embarked on a new phase of his career, relocating to South Africa. His talent continued to shine on the African continent, where he impressively claimed victory twice at the African Championships. This move highlighted his adaptability and enduring prowess in the sport, allowing him to compete and succeed under new national colours and diverse competitive environments.

Continuing Success and the New Javelin Design

The sport of javelin throwing underwent a significant change in 1986 with the introduction of a new implement design, engineered to reduce flat landings and improve safety for spectators and officials. Petranoff successfully adapted to this evolution, recording a formidable personal best of 89.16 meters (approximately 292.5 feet) with the redesigned javelin. As his illustrious career neared its conclusion, he returned to the United States. His enduring competitive spirit was evident when he secured another medal at the 1999 Pan American Games, a fitting capstone to a long and distinguished career that spanned decades and included success with both javelin types.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Thomas Petranoff born?
Thomas Alan Petranoff was born on April 8, 1958.
What was Thomas Petranoff's world record throw with the old implement javelin?
He held the world record with an extraordinary throw of 99.72 meters (327 feet) from May 1983 to July 1984. This distance was almost the length of an American football field.
What were his major achievements while representing the United States?
Petranoff won a silver medal at the 1983 World Championships and represented the United States at the Summer Olympics in both 1984 and 1988.
Did he compete for any other country?
Yes, in the 1990s, he moved to South Africa and won the African Championships twice while representing that nation.
What is his personal best with the new implement javelin?
His personal best throw with the redesigned javelin implement is 89.16 meters (292.5 feet).
When did Thomas Petranoff conclude his career with another major medal?
Towards the end of his career, after returning to the United States, he earned a medal at the 1999 Pan American Games, showcasing his lasting competitive spirit.