The men's shot put was a

track and field athletics Track and field is a sport that includes Competition#Sports, athletic contests based on running, jumping, and throwing skills. The name is derived from where the sport takes place, a running track and a grass field for the throwing and some of ...

event held as part of the

Athletics at the 1904 Summer Olympics At the 1904 Summer Olympics, twenty-five athletics events were contested. A total of 74 medals (25 gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze) were awarded. Multi-event competitions, the all-around and triathlon, were introduced, along with a 56-pound weigh ...

programme. It was the third time the event was held. The competition was held on August 31, 1904. 8 athletes from 2 nations competed. The event was won by

Ralph Rose Ralph Waldo Rose (March 17, 1885 – October 16, 1913) was an American track and field athlete. He was born in Healdsburg, California. Biography Standing 6 ft 5.5 in (197 cm) and weighing 250 pounds (115 kg), Rose was the first shot putter ...

of the United States, the nation's third consecutive victory in the men's shot put. Americans won silver (

Wesley Coe Wesley William Coe Jr. (May 8, 1879 – December 24, 1926), sometimes listed as William Wesley Coe Jr., was an American track and field athlete who competed principally in the shot put and also in the hammer throw, discus throw, and tug of war. ...

) and bronze ( Lawrence Feuerbach) as well, completing the second consecutive podium sweep in the event.

Background

This was the third appearance of the event, which is one of 12 athletics events to have been held at every Summer Olympics. None of the throwers from 1900 returned.

of the United States had broken the world record earlier in 1904 but had not won any major competitions. His countryman,

, had won the AAA championship multiple times. The two were the favorites, with an edge to Rose. As in 1896 and 1900, Irishman

Denis Horgan Denis Horgan (18 May 1871 – 2 June 1922) was a champion Ireland, Irish Athletics (sport), athlete and weight thrower, born in Banteer, County Cork, who competed mainly in the shot put. Biography Shortly after setting a world's record ...

would have been a significant contender but did not attend. No nations made their debut in the men's shot put this year. Both nations that competed in 1904 were making their third appearance, having also competed in 1896 and 1900 as well.

Competition format

The format of the competition is unclear; it appears that each there was a single round of throwing with each thrower receiving six attempts. The throwing stage was a 2.13 metre circle, the first time the modern circle was used in the Games rather than a square.

Records

These were the standing world and Olympic records (in metres) prior to the 1904 Summer Olympics. ^* unofficial

set a new Olympic record in his first try with 14.35 metres only to be bettered by

in his first try when he threw 14.40 metres. Finally

set a new Olympic record and repeated his own unofficial world record with 14.81 metres in his fifth throw.

Schedule

Results

Georgantas, the only non-American entrant, withdrew in disgust after officials called his first two attempts fouls for throwing (rather than putting) the shot. Limited throwing sequences and results are known.

References

Sources

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Athletics At The 1904 Summer Olympics - Men's Shot Put Athletics at the 1904 Summer Olympics Shot put at the Olympics