Gregory Louis Tafralis (April 9, 1958 – August 11, 2023) was an American track and field athlete.

Early life and career

Gregory Louis Tafralis was born in San Francisco, California, on April 9, 1958. He set the best world year performance in the men's shot put event in 1992. He competed for his native country at the 1988 Summer Olympics, finishing in ninth place. He won two silver medals at the Pan American Games, first in 1987 and then in 1995.

The second medal was taken away from him because of a positive test for steroids at an earlier meet.[1] After his suspension ran out in 1999, Tafralis tested positive for a banned substance methandienone and was banned for life.[2]

His personal best throw was 21.98 metres, achieved in May 1988 in Los Gatos.[3][4]

Personal life and death

His son Adam, was a college football quarterback for San Jose State University who currently plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.

Gregg Tafralis died on August 11, 2023, at the age of 65.[5]

References

  1. ^ Denman, Elliott (7 November 1995). "255 Days to Atlanta". The Central New Jersey Home News. p. 15. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  2. ^ Doping suspensions
  3. ^ World men's all-time best shot put (last updated 2001)
  4. ^ Los Gatos All Comers Meet Records[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Gregg Tafralis". Olympedia. Retrieved 13 August 2023.

External links



World best year performance in men's shot put
1988 USA Olympic track and field team
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