Jim Mitchel

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Non-starter
SexMale
Full nameJames Sarsfield "Jim"•Mitchel
Used nameJim•Mitchel
Born30 January 1864 in Emly, Tipperary (IRL)
Died3 July 1921 in New York, New York (USA)
Measurements187 cm / 100 kg
AffiliationsNYAC, New York (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

Until the emergence of John Flanagan, Jim Mitchel was undoubtedly the greatest performer in the weight events that the sport had ever seen. He won a total of 76 national event championships (American, Canadian, English, and Irish) but when he made his Olympic début he was 40 years old and rather past his prime. He was at his best as a hammer thrower and set 11 world records between 1886 and 1892. In addition to competing in three weight events at St. Louis in 1904, Mitchel went to Athens for the 1906 Games, but was unable to compete because he was injured when the boat carrying the U.S. team ran into a severe storm and violent waves. Mitchel later became a well-known sportswriter in New York and an author of several books on polo and rowing.

Personal Bests: DT – 106-8 (32.51) (1897); HT – 145-0 (44.19) (1892); 56-lb. Throw – 35-11 (10.95) (1902).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1904 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Jim Mitchel
56-pound Weight Throw, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
56-pound Weight Throw, Men (Olympic (non-medal)) 2
Discus Throw, Men (Olympic) 6
Discus Throw, Men (Olympic (non-medal)) 2
Hammer Throw, Men (Olympic) 5
Discus Throw, Handicap, Men (Olympic (non-medal)) 4
Hammer Throw, Handicap, Men (Olympic (non-medal)) 3
Tug-Of-War USA Jim Mitchel
Tug-Of-War, Men (Olympic) New York Athletic Club 4
1906 Intercalated Games Athletics USA Jim Mitchel
Shot Put, Men (Intercalated) DNS
Discus Throw, Men (Intercalated) DNS
Discus Throw, Greek Style, Men (Intercalated) DNS
1912 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Jim Mitchel
Javelin Throw, Men (Olympic) DNS
Javelin Throw, Both Hands, Men (Olympic) DNS

Special Notes