Former Javelin Throw World Record Holder Has Passed Away

Al Cantello set the world record with a throw of 86.04 in Compton in June 1959. This record stood until 1961 when Italy's Carlo Lievore threw 86.74.



Known for his unique diving style, Cantello did not achieve significant success in major championships during his era. He finished tenth at the 1960 Rome Olympics and third at the 1959 Pan-American Games.

Cantello, who was only 171 centimeters tall and weighed about 75 kilograms in his peak years, did not have the physical stature typical of elite javelin throwers. For comparison, another world record holder known Jorma Kinnunen, was 175 centimeters tall.

After his athletic career, Cantello worked as a running coach at the United States Naval Academy for an impressive 55 years, from 1963 to 2018.