Matt McGrath

Hammer Thrower

Birthday December 18, 1875

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace Ireland

DEATH DATE Jan 19, 1941 (65)

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About

Legendary hammer thrower who competed at four Olympic Games, winning gold in 1912. He was also a member of the New York City Police Department, where he was a two-time recipient of the Medal of Valor.

Before Fame

He was born in Ireland but moved to the United States, where he found success as a hammer thrower at the relatively late age of 27.

Trivia

He won the silver medal at the 1924 Olympics when he was 47 years old, making him the oldest person ever to medal in a track and field event at an Olympic Games.

Family Life

He was one of eleven children born to his parents.

Associated With

He and Lance Deal are both Olympic medalists in hammer throwing.