Martin Biles

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameMartin Broomall•Biles
Used nameMartin•Biles
Born30 March 1919 in San Diego, California (USA)
Died25 August 2017 in Houston, Texas (USA)
Measurements188 cm / 80 kg
AffiliationsOlympic Club, San Francisco (USA) / California Golden Bears, Berkeley (USA)
NOC United States

Biography

Martin Biles was AAU javelin champion in 1943-44, after winning the NCAA javelin title in 1940-41, while competing for U Cal Berkeley. He was AAU javelin runner-up five times – 1941-42, 1947-49. His younger brother, Bob, also attended Cal and threw the javelin. He finished third in the 1941 NCAA (behind Martin) and then won the title in 1942. Sadly, Bob was killed in action during World War II.

Martin Biles served in the Army Air Force in World War II, leaving as a lieutenant-colonel, after which he earned a PhD in nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University. Biles later settled near Washington, DC where he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission, attaining the title of Director of Operational Safety. During that time he also served as scientific attaché with the US Embassies in Brussels and Paris. Biles eventually retired to Naples, Florida in 1977.

Personal Best: JT – 70.10 (230-0) (1949).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1948 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Martin Biles
Javelin Throw, Men (Olympic) 6