Wilbur Thompson

Wilbur Marvin "Moose" Thompson (April 6, 1921 – December 25, 2013) was an American shot putter who won a gold medal at the 1948 Summer Olympics, leading an American sweep of the medals.

Wilbur Thompson

Thompson at the 1948 Olympics
Personal information
Born	April 6, 1921 Frankfort, South Dakota, U.S.
Died	December 25, 2013 (aged 92) Long Beach, California, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Southern California.[1]
Height	183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	89 kg (196 lb)
Sport
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	Shot put, discus throw
Club	ILAAC, Los Angeles
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	SP – 17.12 m (1948) DT – 46.89 m (1942)[2][3]
Medal record Representing the  United States Olympic Games 1948 London Shot put

While studying at Modesto Junior College, Thompson won the national junior college title in 1939 and 1940. He then served in the US Army during World War II, and in 1946 placed second at the NCAA championships while at USC. He held a world ranking of #6 in 1947, #2 in 1948, #3 in 1949 and #4 in 1950. Thompson graduated with a master's degree in petroleum engineering and later worked in the oil production and at the California State Lands Commission.^[2] He died aged 92.^[4]

His grandson, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, is a professional quarterback in the CFL.

References

1. USC OLYMPIANS: 1904–2004, USC Trojans Athletic Department, Accessed August 13, 2008.
2. Wilbur Thompson. sports-reference.com
3. Wilbur Thompson. trackfield.brinkster.net
4. Former Olympic Champion, USC Track And Field Star Wilbur Thompson Dies. CBS Los Angeles (December 31, 2013)