Ron Backes

Ron Backes was a shot putter who competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Backes also competed twice at the World Indoor Championships, placing sixth in 1987 and winning a bronze medal in 1991. He also won bronze at the 1987 Universiade. He was eighth at the 1991 World Championships (outdoor).

Backes attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1987. He later obtained a masters’ degree from Minnesota State at Mankato in curriculum and instruction. He then worked for a few years as a high school vocational education teacher. In 1998-99 he was an assistant coach at The Ohio State University. In August 1999, Backes became a ministry director with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Personal Best: SP – 21.02 (1988).