John Powell

John was instrumental in my life and I´ll forever be grateful for his positive influence on me. I was fortunate enough to have him watching out for me - even long after his throw coaching ended. Thank you, John, for your feisty challenges and growth opportunities. .

John was every throwers idol in the 70's! I would see him at Foothill College during high school track clinics 71-73', fast forward, I was at Long Beach State 74'-78' and he would show up for the all-comer meets along with a multitude of 190' throwers. It was there I was lucky enough to witness a 232'+ throw which hit the asphalt driveway to the track shed. Needless to say, he was an amazing athlete, so smooth and explosive! I feel so blessed to have witnessed his greatness up close and in...

I first met John a few months before the 1984 Olympics when he walked into Foothill College's weight room when I was just 21. He wasn't there to work out, he just walked around and talked to people. You could immediately see where he got his physical power to throw the discus so well, which was mostly in his legs and core. Around the early 1990's on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I met up with John again at the track at Foothill College . At that time, the shot ring and infield discus ring were...

I first met John when I was throwing the discus at Foothill College in 1971. A fellow thrower, Bill Stoesser, introduced me to him when we traveled to San Jose State. He helped me in my form and encouraged me to excel. He also had a dry wit about him as did I. Many conversations o ver the years. RIP John and thanks!

I never met John but he was a great inspiration to me in my discus throwing when I was younger. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He paved the way for so many great discus throwers of today. Rest in peace Legend.

Great teammate of mine at San Jose State spent many hours throwing with him. He was the best. RIP from your javelin throwing teammate. Rick Arcide

John was my partner at San Jose Police Dept. Great guy but also a character. I remember him coming late to.our shift one night. Had a big grin He'd just thrown.for a world record at a meet that day

My dad and I were track and field officials for years when John Powell competed, he was a great competitor, but never said much to either my dad or my self. One day at a meet when it was over he came up to my dad and myself, and said, You guys have been officiating the meets for years i just wanted to tell you how much i appreciate it and you guys are two of the nicest and best officials i have ever met! Wow Thank you John. It was an honor for my dad an myself to do those meets and...

I fondly recall the rivalries between John and "Multiple Mac" Wilkins in the mid-1970s while in college. A fine person and the best discus technician to be found! A great loss to the sport of track & field!