Wilbur Thompson Explained

Birth Date:April 6, 1921
Birth Place:Frankfort, South Dakota, U.S.
Death Date:December 25, 2013 (aged 92)
Death Place:Long Beach, California, U.S.
Height:183 cm
Weight:89 kg
Sport:Athletics
Pb:SP – 17.12 m (1948)
DT – 46.89 m (1942)
Club:ILAAC, Los Angeles
Alma Mater:University of Southern California.[1]
Show-Medals:yes

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.

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. He died aged 92.

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

Notes and References

  1. http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/usc/genrel/auto_pdf/uscolympians.pdf USC OLYMPIANS: 1904–2004