Paul Boulet Jessup (September 23, 1908 – October 27, 1992) was an American discus thrower and shot putter. He set a discus world record in 1930 and was a leading favorite for the 1932 Summer Olympics, but only placed eighth in the Olympic final.[1]
Jessup won his first national championship in the discus in August 1930, beating Krenz's world record in the process with a throw of 51.73 meters (169 ft 7+7⁄8 in).[1][2][8][9] This record lasted until 1934, when it was beaten by Sweden's Harald Andersson.[10] Jessup repeated as national champion in 1931.[1][9]
Jessup showed consistent form in early 1932[11] and was considered the leading favorite for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles,[3][11][12] as his main rival, Krenz, had drowned in a boating accident in August 1931.[12][13][14] However, 1928 Olympian John Anderson displaced him as the national leader at the Eastern Tryouts.[15] At the final Olympic Trials Jessup placed second, behind Anderson.[15][16] Anderson went on to win the gold medal at the Olympics, while Jessup had an off day, only managing 8th with a throw of 45.25 m (148 ft 4 in).[1][15]
^Butler, Mark; IAAF Media & Public Relations Department (2011), IAAF Statistics Handbook Daegu 2011, International Association of Athletics Federations
