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John Henry FitzSimons (born 12 February 1943) is a British former track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw. He was the gold medallist at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, winning with a games record throw of 79.78 m (261 ft 8+3⁄4 in).[1] He is a former British record holder and was the first British man to throw the javelin beyond eighty metres.[2] His personal best is 81.92 m (268 ft 9 in).[3]
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing  England | ||
| Commonwealth Games | ||
 | 1966 Kingston | Javelin throw |
 | 1970 Edinburgh | Javelin throw |
He was the 1964 winner of the AAA Championships and was runner-up tin Finland's Jorma Kinnunen in 1966.[4] As well as his 1966 gold, he returned to win a bronze medal at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games, helping England to the first ever medal sweep of the javelin by a nation, alongside compatriots Dave Travis and John McSorley.[5] He represented Great Britain at the 1966 European Athletics Championships but ranked only 22nd overall.[6]
He also played minor counties cricket for Berkshire from 1960–1962, making eight appearances in the Minor Counties Championship.[7]
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | British Empire and Commonwealth Games | Kingston, Jamaica | 1st | 79.78 m GR |
| European Championships | Budapest, Hungary | 22nd | 68.86 m | |
| 1970 | British Commonwealth Games | Edinburgh, United Kingdom | 3rd | 73.20 m |
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