Vesmonis 'Wes' Balodis 1933-2020
We sadly report the passing of 1956 Olympian Vesmonis 'Wes' Balodis.
After emigrating from Latvia to Australia in 1950 aged 17, Balodis first emerged in athletics competing in the javelin and shot put in Adelaide. He won bronze medals in the shot put in 1954, 1955 and 1956 at the Australian National championships.
In 1955-56, Balodis moved to Melbourne and started exploring a new event, the discus, placing second at the Australian National Championships. His progression was impressive in the new event, winning the Olympic trials in October 1956. But as a Latvian national he was unfortunately ineligible to represent Australia at the Olympic Games. However, the Australian Government rushed through his citizenship and he was able to take his place in the Australian Team in Melbourne. At the Games he placed 20th in the qualifying round of the discus.
Inspired by the faith Australia had shown in him by his selection for the Olympics, Balodis dominated the event over the next few years in Australia. He comfortably won the 1957, 1958 and 1959 national discus throw titles.
The 1960 national championships would double as the Olympic trials, but a new threat had emerged in the discus, 20-year-old Warwick Selvey. At the championships, Selvey defeated Wes by just over a metre. Now aged 27, Wes retired from elite competition following the National Championships in 1960.
Balodis passed away last week (29 October) aged 87, surrounded by his family.
By David Tarbotton
Posted: 4/11/2020
