The track and field world has had plenty of shot put champions who took the sport to another level. However, there was one who came on too strong in both interviews and during competitions. This free-spirited shot-put champion believed in the brash expression of oneself, which he called ?terrorist stuff?. He was a real piece of work but was beloved by all in the track and field world for his athletic prowess and larger-than-life personality. Who was he?

Brian Oldfield was a standout shot-put athlete and even represented the United States in the 1972 Olympic Games. When Brian Oldfield passed away on March 26, 2017, he had left behind a legacy that pervaded other disciplines within track and field. When it came to sprinting, he was no joke. His speed at the 1976 Superstars Competition 100-yard sprint finals is a testament to his multi-sport dominance.

Brian Oldfield’s explosive speed at the 1976 Superstars finals

The Superstars Finals was the 70s highlight, where athletes from different sports competed against each other. In 1976, the flamboyant shot-put ace joined the field sporting his iconic long hair that he dubbed “Oldfield Mop”. Brian Oldfield ran against long jump champion Ralph Boston, NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, NBA giant Mike Schmidt, and many more. A throwback video of his spectacular run is again circulating on the internet.

Beau Throws, a popular shot-put commentator on X, reminded everyone of his idol’s agility by sharing the video alongside a post that read, “Brian Oldfield was a FREAK! The first shot-putter over 75′ was also lightning on the track Watch him almost beat NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann in a 100-yd dash during the @SuperstarsComp Olympic Long Jump Champ Ralph Boston finishes behind Brian in third”.

The competition took place in Rotunda, Florida, and was televised on ESPN on August 23. Brian Oldfield also took on the weightlifting challenge against Lou Ferrigno. The former won the weightlifting competition, too, and set a Superstars record by lifting 310 lbs. These victories supplemented his loss of the world record in 1973 and 1975 due to an odd technicality.

Brian Oldfield’s record-breaking mark ignored

The legendary track and field athlete had a throw measuring 21.60 m in 1973. This was the longest throw in the sport’s history. Again, in 1975, Oldfield bettered his mark with a throw of 22.86 m. Both times, his world record was not taken into account because of his affiliation with the ITA professional track and field. This did not affect his confidence, and he went on to feature on Sports Illustrated and Playgirl magazine covers.

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Brian Oldfield was fond of his looks. He once said, “When God created man, he wanted him to look like me”. This self-confidence helped him tide through the difficulties in sports and brought him more accolades. He became the seventh strongest man in the world in 1978 and also starred in a Hollywood movie titled, ‘Savage Instinct’. Later on in life, the injuries sustained during his track and field days reduced him to using a cane or a wheelchair for moving about. However, his love for life never diminished. Such an athlete is truly rare, and the world is still waiting for another Brian Oldfield to come along.

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