Bob Fitch
Robert E. Fitch (July 28, 1919 – April 15, 2003) was an American athlete and coach. He broke the world record in the discus throw in 1946 with a mark of 54.93 m (180 ft 2+3⁄4 in). He developed a rotational technique referred to as the "Minnesota Whip" and delivered a masters thesis on the subject. His training mate Fortune Gordien went on to break world records and win Olympic medals.
Fitch in 1940 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Robert Fitch |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | July 29, 1919 Audubon, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | April 15, 2003 (aged 83) Bloomington, Indiana, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Sport | |
| Country | USA |
| Sport | American football, discus throw, golf |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best | DT – 54.93 m (1946) |
Fitch was a two-time American champion in the discus (1942 and 1946) and was the winner of the 1942 NCAA Championships. He was also part of the University of Minnesota championship-winning college football. He later became golf coach for Indiana University and developed the team into a top level NCAA side, winning six Big Ten Conference titles during his tenure from 1957 to 1989 – a record for an Indiana coach.