Quick Facts
Biography
Duncan Fuller Atwood (born October 11, 1955 in Seattle, Washington) is a former American athlete who twice won a gold medal in the javelin throw at the Pan American Games: in 1979 and 1987. He competed for his native country at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, finishing in 11th place. Atwood set his personal best (78.92 metres) on August 29, 1987 in Rome, Italy, during the qualification round at the World Championships.
Doping
Atwood was one of the 12 American track and field athletes who abruptly left Caracas after it became known that there would be stricter and improved drug testing at the 1983 Pan American Games.
In August 1985 Atwood tested positive for a prohibited stimulant at a competition in Koblenz, Germany. He was subsequently banned for life by IAAF for the anti-doping rule violation. At the time IAAF banned athletes for life for the first doping offence, but the athlete could apply to have the ban reduced, something IAAF would routinly grant. Atwood got his ban reduced and was able to compete again in 1987.
Achievements
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Representing the  United States | ||||
| 1979 | Pan American Games | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 1st | 84.16 m |
| 1984 | Olympic Games | Los Angeles, United States | 11th | 78.10 m |
| 1987 | Pan American Games | Indianapolis, United States | 1st | 78.68 m |
| World Championships | Rome, Italy | 12th | 72.54 m | |
Seasonal bests by year
- 1979 - 84.16 m
- 1987 - '78.92