Harold Vincent Connolly

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to USATF Youth Hammer Throw Fund and sent to the following address: USATF Youth Hammer Throw Fund, c/o Robert Gourley, 3 Greenville Drive, Barrington, RI 02806-1217

Wednesday marked the passing of the greatest figure in the history of hammer throwing: Olympic gold medalist Harold Connolly passed away. Harold, who founded this site over a decade ago and still coordinated it until his death, had as deep a love for the hammer throw as anyone. His involvement in the event spanned over six decades from starting the event as a student at Boston College to guiding American teens to start a domestic resurgence in the event. After a career that included four Olympic Games Harold continued his career as a successful coach, guiding such greats as Kevin McMahon. As he got older, his focus shifted more and more to youth throwers, as he knew the key to getting another American on the podium started with teaching more kids the event and spreading it to new people. For the past decade, Harold has been conducting clinics across the country, advocating for the inclusion of the hammer throw at various USATF youth events, and starting the USATF Youth Hammer Throw Training Grant Fund, which awarded over $6,000 to youth hammer throws this year. Towards the end of his life, his efforts began to pay off: despite never having won a gold, America has won the last two world junior titles. Both winners were Americans that Harold mentored.

What many don't know about Harold was that as much as his life was consumed by the hammer throw, he was a well rounded individual that touched many others through his work as an educator, the President of Special Olympics, and as a loving father and husband. There is now a large void wherever his life touched.

», If you want to share a story about how he touched your life, please do so on the memorial page we have set up.

Gold Medalist Harold Connolly

2009 Youth Hammer Throw Training Grants

Recently, the USATF Youth Hammer Throw Fund awarded $6,300 in training grants to some of the nation's outstanding male and female youth hammer throwers. Fourteen girls and eight boys applied for the training grants. Seven girls and seven boys were awarded grants. The grants will help youth throwers pay for equipment, travel to competitions, and other costs of training. Click below to learn more about this year's winners and how you can donate to help the USATF Youth Hammer Throw Fund.

» Learn more...

Recommended Readings	NewsLinks
» Hammer Throw Coach's Manual - After helping many coaches and athletes over the past several years, Harold Connolly has released an updated version of his guide to help coach beginners in the hammer throw. The manual also has an accompanying handbook for beginning throwers. » Hammer Notes - This magazine from the early 1980s shows how Americans explored new training methods. It includes articles by the world's most renouned coaches and scientists and is an invaluable source of information for inquisitive minds. » "Evolution of Improvement in the System of Periodization" by Boris Zaitchouk - This outline of a presentation by the world's first 80-meter throw contains a great look into Soviet training methodology. » The Hungary Report - After a long time spent compiling all the information obtained by Boldi Kocsor and Nate Rolfe during their trip to Szombathely, Hungary this summer, we are proud to present the completed report. We have posted several files containing information about the training program, philosophy, and athletes in Hungary.	» Zhang Wenxiu wins hammer gold at Chinese National Games (21 Oct 2009) » Anita Wlodarczyk has new coach (14 Oct 2009) » Kozmus retires but might return (8 Oct 2009) » Montebrun wins at Francophone Games (5 Oct 2009) » Wlodarczyk's world record is ratified (30 Sept 2009) » Ed Burke still competing as a master (26 Sept 2009)
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	IAAF Performance Lists (Men | Women)