Rink Babka

Rink Babka (actually Richard Aldrich Babka; born September 23, 1936 in Cheyenne, Wyoming ) is a former American discus thrower, who belonged from 1957 to 1968 the world's best.

In 1958 he was U.S. champion, and on 12 August 1960, he presented in Walnut with 59,91 m world record of Poland Edmund Piątkowski in the discus throw one.

At the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 Babka took the lead, but was intercepted on the fifth attempt by Al Oerter. Oerter won with 59.18 m in front Babka with 58.02 m. For Oerter it was the second Olympic gold medal; to 1968, he won four titles in a row, although the world record was kept of each other athletes.

Babka could then no longer qualify for the Olympics, but won at the Pan American Games in 1967 in Winnipeg silver with 56.88 m behind compatriot Gary Carlsen.

Rink Babka is 1,95 m tall and weighed 121 kg in his playing days.