August 10, 1952. The Olympic Games in Helsinki made it possible for a good half dozen gold medallists to travel from Finland to Berlin. Most were from the USA and 40,000 spectators in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium saw Parry O’Brien, Olympic champion in 1952 and 1956, who had revolutionized the shot put with his technique. At ISTAF’s 11th edition O’Brien’s 16.69m was enough for victory and set an ISTAF meeting record, as was his winning throw of 50,57m in the discus.
