I am sorry to inform the track and field family, in particular the hammer throwing community, that my father, Albert "Al" Hall, passed away late Thursday evening in Tonopah Nevada after an extended battle with Alzheimer's. He was 74. My father competed in the 1956, 1960, 1964, and 1968 Olympics. He also was a three-time Pan-American Games hammer throw champion. Al was also a member of the first USA track teams to compete in Russia (late 1950s) and China (1974). He also had numerous national championships in both the hammer and 35 pound weight. During his years of competition, he made many friends throughout the world and he treasured their friendship. Of all the medals and trophies he got, I think he was most proud of the "Goodwill Ambassador" statue he received from the Brazilian athletes at the Sao Paulo Pan American Games. He thrived on the camaraderie of competition. I am sure that right now, he is enjoying a never-ending "throwing all-around" with his great friends like Al Oerter and Bob Backus. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Lorraine (who broke the gender barrier for road running competition in Massachusetts in the 1960s), and his son (me) Shawn. Burial will be in the Fern Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Hanson MA, where he and Al Oerter had many a training session out in the hay field at the Hall homestead during the 1950s. Condolences can be sent to the family at Box 1192, Tonopah NV 89049.
Shawn Hall
Shawn Hall
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