title: John FitzSimons
text: # John FitzSimons
  
  John Henry FitzSimons (born 12 February 1943) is a British former track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw. He was the gold medallist at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, winning with a games record throw of 79.78 m (261 ft 8+3⁄4 in). He is a former British record holder and was the first British man to throw the javelin beyond eighty metres. His personal best is 81.92 m (268 ft 9 in).
  
  He was the 1964 winner of the AAA Championships and was runner-up tin Finland's Jorma Kinnunen in 1966. As well as his 1966 gold, he returned to win a bronze medal at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games, helping England to the first ever medal sweep of the javelin by a nation, alongside compatriots Dave Travis and John McSorley. He represented Great Britain at the 1966 European Athletics Championships but ranked only 22nd overall.
  
  He also played minor counties cricket for Berkshire from 1960–1962, making eight appearances in the Minor Counties Championship.
  
  ## International competitions
  
  | Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
  | - | - | - | - | - |
  | 1966 | British Empire and Commonwealth Games | Kingston, Jamaica | 1st | 79.78 m GR |
  | 1966 | European Championships | Budapest, Hungary | 22nd | 68.86 m |
  | 1970 | British Commonwealth Games | Edinburgh, United Kingdom | 3rd | 73.20 m |
  