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Al Oerter Obituary
Oerter died at a hospital near his Fort Myers Beach home, his wife Cathy Oerter said. He had dealt with high blood pressure since he was young and has struggled with heart problems, she said.
"He was a gentle giant," she said. "He was bigger than life."
Oerter won gold medals in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968. Oerter and Carl Lewis are the only track and field stars to capture the same event in four consecutive Olympics. Oerter, however, is the only one to set an Olympic record in each of his victories.
Born in New York City, Oerter eschewed coaching and conventional training methods to mold himself into a fierce competitor who performed his best when the stakes were highest.
"I can remember those games truly as if they were a week ago," Oerter told The Associated Press last year.
In Melbourne in 1956, Oerter threw 184 feet, 11 inches on his first toss and watched in amazement when nobody else, including teammate and world-record holder Fortune Gordien, came close to beating him.
He came from behind to win again in Rome, and overcame torn rib cartilage and other injuries to make it three in a row at the Tokyo Games in 1964.
At 32, he was a long shot in the 1968 field headed by world-record holder Jay Silvester. However, Oerter responded with a personal-best 212 feet, 11 inches to leave Mexico City with the gold.
He came out of retirement and won a spot as an alternate on the 1980 team that didn't compete because of the boycott ordered by President Carter.
Later in life, Oerter discovered a new passion and took up abstract painting.
Oerter maintained a tie to the Olympic movement through Art of the Olympians, a program he founded to give him and other former Olympians who've taken up art to showcase their work.
"Al approached the art world the same way he approached the sports world," said friend and former Olympian Liston Bochette. "He studied it. He analyzed it. And he sought excellence in the arts."
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
84 Entries
Chuck Sherman Jr
June 2, 2019
One of my early inspirations to throw the discus. RIP Al.
John Buron
August 8, 2018
I had the great pleasure to meet Al at the Mount Sac Relays . I was a raw kid throwing a discus while in high school. He took the time to talk to me. I still remember that. A great human being!
Bill Doller
March 6, 2009
I met Mr. Oerter while in high school in West Islip. He was practicing behind the library where a discus pad had been installed. I recognized him and said hello, we talked about athletics, moving on to college and how commitement was necessary in every facet of your life. He was a large man with a large heart. You lived a great life.
Anthony Gagliano
December 3, 2008
To The Oerter family:
I had the great honor and privilege to interview Al nearly twenty years ago. Despite the fact that I was an unknown freelance writer for a small Miami weekly newspaper, Al was very warm, gracious and above all generous with his time. Those of us who love track and field, especially the throws, have lost a great friend and role model of truly heroic stature. May god bless the Oerter family.
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miles range, jr.
November 3, 2008
Al has always been an inspiration to me, not only in athletics, but also in how he lived his life. I was saddened to hear of his passing, but his memory and legacy live on in our hearts. May we all live such full lives!
Elise Leonard
October 1, 2008
I used to work with Al back in 1981 at Grumman, and even bought one of Corinne's beautiful pen and inks (which is still hanging proudly in my living room). I honestly haven't thought of Al for decades, but was speaking with a gentleman today who is an older Olympian, and I mentioned that I was friends--many years ago--with Al Oerter. Immediately following the conversation I wondered what had happened to Al, and looked online, only to find that he had passed away one year ago today! (EXACTLY!)
I am sad to hear of the news; Al is obviously missed! And it was weird that I had thought of Al, after all this time, on this day, one year after he passed.
My thoughts go out to his family. He was a good man.
Shawn Ford
August 21, 2008
Watching the Olympics has me thinking about Mr. Oerter.
Hello Gabrielle and Chris. I had a nice email exchange with your dad a year or so before he passed. I hope he passed on my regards and my condolences.
[email protected]
Paul Brunell
January 18, 2008
At Sewanhaka, it being a huge school, we were on "double session" where the freshmen and sophomores practiced in the morning, and went to classes in the afternoon. I was a puny little freshman trying to become a half-miler, and Al was a sophomore, already a discus thrower. At the end of the season, we had a team "olympics", where you could enter as many events as you liked. Al ran off with the most points, winning all of his events. Still, he was a leader and an inspiration to the rest of the team. Sewanhaka is very proud of you, Al. Rest easy, you have done your job, and done it well.
John Gilmore
January 14, 2008
I was a big fan of Al when I followed Track and Field in the 50's and 60's. I was lucky to see him break three World Discus records including the 1st 200 foot throw which he accomplished at the Coliseum Relays in Los Angeles. I found his name on the internet and sent an e-mail to him. He was very kind to send me an autographed picture and a personal note which I will keep forever. He also sent a note to look him up if I was in Florida. I am sorry I never got a chance to meet him but he will always be my favorite T & F athlete and also remembered for his kind note and picture that he sent me. Please accept my sympathies for your loss.
Bill Crawford
January 2, 2008
I had the pleasure of knowing Al when he was a member of my gym on Fort Myers Beach. He was giant of a man, with a heart as big as his towering structure. It was easy to connect with Al and his sincerity. He was an inspiration. I am glad to have known him.
richard tollner
November 29, 2007
I remember a man deeply concerned with his two daughters welfare. He would always do his best to see they were cared for. Chrys and Gabrielle you can always carry the pride your Dad had with you. My condolences and best wishes Richard (Tollner)
howard tucker
November 12, 2007
Dear Mrs. Oerter, Crys, Gabrielle
I recently learned of your husband's and father's passing. I remember his kindness, graciousness, and his hospitality at the house on West Islip Road. It has been a long time but I ran into him a number of times in West Islip after high school and he always greeted me with much kindness. I was greatly saddened by his passing. I further remember his great courage in supporting the boycott of the 1980 Olympics. It greatly impacted him personally but he stood tall to defend what was right in the wake of much criticism. He proved he was a true athlete both in body and in thought by carrying proudly the torch of freedom. I saw him on tv a number of times during those days and was proud that I had the privilege of knowing him. I wish you all the very best and hope that the sadness passes and that you will be sustained by the rich memories of this fine man. In the words of the old Hebrew prayer - May G-d make his coutenance to shine upon your faces and grant you his greatest gift - that of peace. My love and very best during this difficult time.
Al Oerter one year ago.
Cathy Oerter
November 8, 2007
It warms my heart to see the outpouring of love expressed for Al. His gracious unassuming manner touched many of us and I was ever so grateful to be married to this lovely man. I miss him terribly but he did live his life to the fullest---that you can be guaranteed. To the day he passed he was content in the moment and focused on the day at hand and looked forward to tomorrow. To say Al was special is an understatement. He was a wonderful example of humility and never let ego take hold. To my hero I send him my love eternal and he shall remain with me for the end of my days on this earth. I wish you could all have known his quick wit and hear his deep laugh. Bless you all and may your lives follow on in his footsteps of gentleness.
Michael Grippo
October 30, 2007
Dear Cathy, Gabrielle and Chrys:
My deepest, deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, your father and your friend. He was truly a special man.
While it's been many years since we have spoken I have never forgotten how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to get to know Al and I am a better person today for it.
Gabrielle, Please take solace in the fact that the human mind is a wonderful and powerful tool...as time goes on the pain of your loss will lesson and you'll be able to focus almost entirely on only the wonderful memories that you had with him.
Again, I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Donna Tremiti
October 30, 2007
I lived with Gabrielle Oerter for four years at college. When I first met her father he was larger than life! As famous as he was at that time, he was the warmest, most down to earth parent of all who obviously loved his daughter very much. My sincere condolences, Gabrielle.
Michael Reddick
October 29, 2007
I learned about Al's death in Time magazine at the Orlando airport book store just as we were boarding the plane back to UK from our Florida holiday. I shed a tear and I'm 65 years old.
In 1962 I was able to talk with Al for a few minutes and shake his hand after he competed at a meet at Crystal Palace track, London UK. I was a spectator. I remember it now as if it was yesterday. I asked him how far he could putt the shot -'oh only about about 58 feet. I don't practice too much. It hurts my neck!'
45 years on I still compete as a vet (our name for seniors / masters). We talk about him between throws at competitions. We were, and still are, inspired by Al and we really miss him - even those who never met him but fell as if they knew him.
Thanks for the memory. He inspired us all.
Ernst Soudek
October 29, 2007
Al was the only living idol I ever had, both as an athlete and as a human being. I cried for three days after hearing of his untimely passing away. My deepest sympathy to you, Cathy.
Ernst Soudek, Ph.D.
(Member of the Austrian Olympic Team, 1964)
Vienna, Austria
Christopher Shanahan
October 24, 2007
As a discus thrower myself I always considered Al Oerter my hero. God bless Al you were the best there ever was.
Hank Kraychir
October 18, 2007
My office is currently inundated with memorabilia of great throwers, including Al – who happens to be one of my all-time favorites. Al’s accomplishments need no additional comments, which I think have been covered well by others. I am happy to say I knew Al and that I was able to collect several of his art pieces, which I will treasure each day while I work. God Bless you Al!!!
Malcolm Caldwell
October 17, 2007
After reading this guest book I am compelled to offer my deepest sympathy to all of you that sent condolences to the Oerter family. I am not surprized to see how many other throwers loved Al Oerter as much as I do. We are all in sorrow. I am 54 and was a thrower at the high school, small college and master's levels and coached high school throwers for 20 years. I always shared the hardships that were overcome by tenacity and determination by this great American hero. I taught technique but as I think about it, Al Oerter taught my athletes, by example. He never met me or my athletes but he taught so many young athletes how to work through physical and mental pain in an effort to be successful in sport and in life. I have emailed Mr. Oerter several times and thanked him for his help that he has given so many throwers and his reply was, "It seems that we throwers from around the world have a truly common bond that lasts a lifetime." Mr. Oerter, after reading these heartfelt words of gratitude from so many of these folks that love you, I am confident in saying that this bond goes beyond "a lifetime." I had emailed Al Oerter's good friend and life long competitor, Rink Babka to offer my deepest sympathy to him and he stated "It seems like yesterday that Al and I were joking about who could beat the other one if we went out on that day." Mr. Babka also stated, "I don't believe that he (Al) recognized the truth on how he touched so many lives."
If you are looking for a superlative in American heros, look no further than Mr. Al Oerter.
I have a signed Olympic discus from Al Oerter that I display in my house as a small monument to his life, memory, accomplishments but mostly as a symbol for what he has done to make us all better and America better.
My deepest sympathy is lovingly extended to his wife, Cathy; children, Gabrielle Oerter and Crystiana Beardslee and grandchild; his sister, May; collegues in Arts for the Olympians; his friends and especially his former competitors in the fraternal brotherhood of throwers.
The greatest achievements made by Al Oerter are not related to gold medals, feet and inches and records but the strong positive influences he has had on those that knew him personally and by reputation.
The legendary American hero and icon, Mr. Al A. Oerter Jr. has left our lives but lives in us all for an eternity. Thank you, Al Oerter!!!
With my highest respect and admiration to Mr. Oerter's life and memory.
Randall Dailey
October 12, 2007
my deepest condolences to the family of Al Oerter. When I saw his passing on ESPN, I broke down and cried. My name is Randall Dailey. I'm 50yrs old, father of 5 grown childred, a full blood American Indian, and the first state champ in track (shot put) from my school and town. I mailed my kids a letter and will have it printed in my hometown newspaper. I told my kids of Al's passing and knew of his accomplishments by heart. He was always a hero and inspiration to me, just like the Lone Ranger. I could go on writing, but will just say I'm sorry to hear of his passing. God bless his family and do the best you can at the funeral and in the days to come.
BRUCE WASHINGTON
October 11, 2007
Clearly, he was my hero.Before I knew of Al Oerter,my discus efforts were,149'(1976),151'(1977)after Ed Rarey inroduced me to his(AL Oerter's) technique..195'(1978 state champ Ohio),202'5"(1979 state champ and state record Ohio).My name is Bruce Washington and even though it's been a long time since I have thrown a discus,I always find myself talking to people about how amazing his accomplishments were and he influenced not only my high school discus days,but my training and conditioning regimen which is still in place to this day(at the tender age of 46!)He always had to overcome obstacles,and his victories,despite the struggles, have always been a source of inspiration to me.A few years ago,I was honored to have had the opportunity to receive an email from him after I emailed him to thank him for being such an inspiration to me.Al Oerter,you will be missed by millions,and I thank God for you and the life that you lived.
Bruce Washington
Brad Zervas, Executive Director
October 9, 2007
Please accept our deepest condolences on Al's passing. The world has lost a great man and a tremendous Olympian.
The Boys' Club of New York will honor Al posthumously at BCNY's 32nd Annual All Sports Hall of Fame Dinner on 10/30. All of us here at The Boys' Club of New York send our love and prayers to Cathy and Al's family and friends.
As a man and as an athlete, Al left a monumental legacy which will never be forgotten. We will miss him dearly.
Much love,
The Boys' Club of New York
Steve Davis
October 8, 2007
No more fearsome competitor ever stepped into a discus ring, no finer man ever lived. Track and Field lost one of the greats last week.
Linda Skaggs
October 8, 2007
My deepest condolences to Cathy and the Oerter family. I was honored to me Al 20 years ago when I was coaching high school. I am now coaching at the college level. Al was a true champion. A true competitor and a kind man. I will always cherish meeting him and how he inspired me to become a better discus thrower and coach.
Jeremy Hammond
October 8, 2007
When you need to remember that there are good people involved with sports, those who train clean, who work hard, have their priorities straight, and who embody all that we strive to be, look no further than Al Oerter.
Mike Foster
October 7, 2007
It is with great sadness I learned today of the passing of Al Oerter. He never knew me; we never met. But, by his role model, he encouraged me, from a small, midwestern community in the 60's, to throw. I achieved some small success, but, mostly, found the event to be a centering for my entire life. I still compete at age 62. Thank you, Al Oerter.
Steve Sierzant
October 7, 2007
With deepest sympathy to your family. I knew Al for a short time. I had the great opportunity to train with him at a small local gym in Hicksville, Long Island.
May God grant you Peace
Michael Belt
October 7, 2007
My friend Bruce Washington told me about Al and his fantastic feat of winning four gold medals in four different Olympics. We were fortunate to be part of one of the greatest high school track and field teams in Ohio history in 1979, at Gahanna Lincoln High School, Gahanna, Ohio. Bruce won the State discus event and set a new Ohio high school record at the District Meet. With Bruce, Al became an inspiration and idol to me as well. He will always be a true Legend of the "Weight" Men and Women everywhere.
Mike Belt
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 7, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Oerter family in the loss of Al. He will always be remembered.
Josh Swift
October 6, 2007
When I was just starting to learn the sport (1997)this man was the first name I ever heard coming from my throwing coach in regards to best of all time. My coach would constently repeat his name over and over again as if to make us rememeber what he was so lucky to witness in the past. He even named half of his drills after Al.
He has influenced me and many others throughout the years to pick up that flat implement and to give it a whirl, hoping we could all be the next Al Oerter.
Charles Bolton (N2THROS)
October 5, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Suzanne Sneddon
October 5, 2007
Condolences to Mrs. Oerter and the rest of the friends and family of this great man.
I was 15 years old, on the girl's track and field team at my high school in NJ in 1980, my events being the discus, shotput and javelin. My Mom showed me an article in the newspaper on the great Olympian, Al Oerter who was working at Grumman in Long Island, NY. I decided to write Mr. Oerter a letter asking about his athletic experiences and tips for my own success. He called my home one evening and spent some time patiently and enthusiastically answering questions and giving me advice. He even invited me to an event he was participating in at a location in NJ that summer. Shortly thereafter I received a wonderful handwritten letter with encouraging words from this great man. I framed the letter and kept it for many years.
I was saddeded to hear about his passing this past Monday. I was especially saddened to learn that my hero lived in the same town that I currently work in for the past 2 years. I would have loved to have met up with him at one of his art events and thank him for taking the time out to help a kid from NJ more than 27 years ago. I hope to visit the gallery where his art is displayed to honor this noble man.
Mike Pascuzzo
October 5, 2007
I met Al several times throughout my track career, and he was always warm, gracious & professional.
Track & Field has truly lost a giant!
Warmest condolences to his Family and the Track community, as we are all diminished in his absence.
Jennifer (Leamen) Marksbury
October 5, 2007
My sympathies to Cathy and all of Al's Family. Al was kind enough to sign an autograph for my niece who was in track during high school. I felt it to be a generous act to do for someone who just happened to be a friend of Deb (his sister-in-law.) He was a true hero.
toni colliniates kiriakopoulos
October 5, 2007
I remember Al Oerter from Sewanhaka High School. He was a great athlete then. May he rest in peace. My smpathies to his family
Thomas Fahey
October 4, 2007
Al Oerter was my boyhood hero. I first saw Al Oerter throw at the Fresno Relays. He threw the discus 200 feet standing during warm-ups.
In 1980, I wrote a book on Olympic athletes. Al graciously consented to an interview and wrote the forward to the book. During the interview he said that he never made excuses. He prepared thoroughly for every possibility: slick rings, wet rings, tail winds, cold, and heat. Some people accused him of "mind control" over his opponents. He laughed at the idea and said that his thorough preparation was the key to his success.
Al was a great champion and an inspiration.
Rev Bradley Stueber
October 4, 2007
He played for the enjoyment of life, of the sport, the accomplishments for himself, his country and God. We appreciate his dedication and know that his name will live on. May he rest in peace now. We extend our prayers and love to family and friends of Mr. Oerter at this time.
Knut Hjeltnes
October 4, 2007
My condolences to you Cathy & family. I had the pleasure of sharing rooms with Al a few times in Italy and cometing against him all over Europe. He was the best both on and off the field. Thanks Al.
KNUt HJELTNES
John Garvey
October 4, 2007
Al Oerter was a class act. As a young thrower he was one of my heros. I tried to live my life like he did as he set a standard of excellence and perfection. Met him first at the 1980 Olympic Trials in Eugene after I graduated from high school and we often communicated via email in recent years. I actually have one of his impact discus paintings which I bought as it symbolized Al: its red, white and blue. This man was a true American patriot, great athlete, outstanding person, wonderful family man, awesome painter, and a discus thrower that knew discus throwing was fun and that was more important; more than the medals and the awards, it was the actual journey and joy of training and throwing, and meeting fellow throwers, and pushing oneself farther than any coach would ever push you. Al will be greatly missed and never fotgotten.
MARY JOHNSON
October 4, 2007
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
AL OERTER I REALLY DID'NT KNOW
YOU. I SEND MY PRAYERS. HE IS ONE OF GOD'S CHILD. I AM ALSO. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.NOW YOU HAVE GUARDIAN ANGEL WATCHING UPON YOU.
GOD BLESS
John Viveiros
October 4, 2007
A Grumman buddy.
Blake Gilmore
October 3, 2007
After hours, on the playing field at West Islip H.S. on Long Island, I watched this serious looking man toss into the air what looked like to be a metal frisbee. It was impressive, but I had no idea what was going on until my father who was a track and field afficionado, turned me on to the local legend, Al Oerter. My mother, Ann Gilmore, interviwed him a couple of times back in the 1980's for The Babylon Beacon. Al was huge, but liked to stay under the radar. A true champion. Thanks for the memories Al.
Dave Cook
October 3, 2007
The BEST OF THE BEST! GOD BLESS!
Liz Arsenault
October 3, 2007
Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have never forgotten you and Al. We shared many great stories about our Maltese Pups. And I remember how mad he was at us when we made his Dr. appointment. Please take care. Liz Speck ( arsenault)
BILL S
October 3, 2007
Thank you Al.....
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!
PEGGY TANSINI
October 3, 2007
PEGGY TANSINI
Eric Ravenstein
October 3, 2007
He will be missed...
ally prefontaine
October 3, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss, he touched a lot of lives.
Ryan Rhodes
October 2, 2007
Al Oerter was my hero and my inspiration. The records have fallen, but he will always be the greatest athlete of all time for me. Rest in peace, Al Oerter.
Harry Shaw
October 2, 2007
At Monterey High and College as a youth I admired Al, Fortune and Jay Sylvester. I was fortunate enough to train with Jay. I wanted to see Al compete in the Olympics one more time.
Richard Cochran
October 2, 2007
Al and I were collegiate competors, he from Kansas I from Missouri. In 1960 he and I were team mates on the US olympic team when he led us to a sweep of the Discus.
I have wonderful memories of the 5 years we competed against each other. Al was the greatest, both as an athlete and as a human being.
Discus throwers the world over will remember Al and his never give up attitude.
We will miss you. We are all better for knowing you.
My sympathies to your family for thier great loss.
Harry Simpson
October 2, 2007
I remember seeing a picture of his winning throw in the 1964 Olympics in my local newspaper. The caption was, "Into Oerter Space". Yes indeed.
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Ed and Shirley Hatter
October 2, 2007
My wife and I went to college with Al's sister May. We had the opportunity to meet and sit with him at a dinner in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. What a fantastic person.
Ernie Larson
October 2, 2007
A year behind Al at Sewanhaka High School in the early 50's, he was always cordial to me and we had one occassion to party together his Senior year.
William Rader
October 2, 2007
I met Mr. Oerter at the Kansas Relays in 1982. He was a great athlete, and seemed like a very nice man.
David Gordon
October 2, 2007
It's people like Al Oerter who make
me proud to be a Jayhawk fan--God
bless you and keep you, Al and
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!
Bill McMahon
October 2, 2007
I remember working with and for Al back at Grumman in the 80's, they are some of my fondest memories. Regardless of his Olympic awards and fame he always remained a nice man. The world has lost something special with his passing. Our prayers go out to his family for their loss.
Al Jahn
October 2, 2007
I remember Al when we worked at Grumman in the early 1980s. He was such a great person and a very nice guy. My prayers go out to Al and his family.
Kim Weldon
October 2, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Georgette Henrich
October 2, 2007
Al Oerter was the reason I took up discus in high school. Thanks for being a great champion.
John Henry Leazer III
October 1, 2007
I met Al & his lovely wife Cathy at a fund raiser in Naples,FL a few years back where Al had generously donated his time as a spokesperson for the cause. I,too, remember his days as an Olympian and also as a Brother of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.
For someone as accomplished and famous as he,a more down-to- earth, genuine and affable person would have been difficult to find. I'm sure he has a family and broad circle of friends and acquaintances that will miss him....
Christina
October 1, 2007
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Al. He was one of Kansas' greatest prides.
PAUL
October 1, 2007
FOUR OLYMPIC GAMES AND GOLD MEDALS IN ALL OF THEM. ONE OF THE VERY BEST, IF NOT THE VERY BEST EVER....SUCH GREATNESS. THANKS AL.
Sheila Smith
October 1, 2007
Rest in Peace Al.
Kristi Crider
October 1, 2007
Mr. Oerter was one of the biggest influences in my throwing career. I met Al several times in Charleston, Illinois in a weekend event put together by Marty. I always enjoyed learning from him. He will be greatly missed.
Clifford Pittsenbarger
October 1, 2007
I was born and raised in Coffey County and was just into my teens when I became aware of the name Oerter. Although I was, and still am, more of a KU basketball and football fan, for some reason this name has stuck with me through the years and I still recall his exploits of those days. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family, both immediate and scholastic.
julian timberlake
October 1, 2007
had the chance to have a couple of beers with mr. oerter in houston in the late 70's. what a class act. a brief moment indeed, but a long lasting impression.
Leo Rietveld
October 1, 2007
My condolances to the family.
The sportsworld lost one of their greatest ever. I am still stunned by his performance and perseverance.
Thx Mr. Oerter.
Jack Crossman
October 1, 2007
I admired Al Oerter while I was in High School track in Kansas. May his memories comfort you, he is a man to look up to.
Curtis Rivers
October 1, 2007
Al gave me many memories of his greatness as he made track and field history. My sympathies are with his family, and may your memories sustain you.
Velma Duenas
October 1, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
rayi interlandi
October 1, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Henry Toman
October 1, 2007
Al Oeter was my boy-hood idol and inspired me to throw the discus. I analyzed his technique so much I thought I knew him. I only saw him in person once when he withdrew from a competition due to an injury(when he tried to re-enter Olympic competition after a long retirement) so I never witness this great athlete in person. His death makes me feel much older. My condolences to his wife and family.
Irene c morrison
October 1, 2007
sorry for your loss on this nice man may god be with you in your sad time he is in gods hands
louis carwell
October 1, 2007
a great champion in track&field,a true legend who's feats may never be duplicated again.rest in peace al,a job that was well done.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
October 1, 2007
REST IN PEACE MAY GOD BLESS YOU, AL OERTER
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