David Charles "Dave" Ottley (born 5 August 1955 in West Thurrock, Essex) is a retired British athlete who mainly competed in the men's javelin throw event.

Dave Ottley
Personal information
NationalityEnglish
Born (1955-08-05) 5 August 1955 (age 69)
West Thurrock, Essex, England
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Sport
SportAthletics
EventJavelin
ClubTelford/Thurrock Harriers
Medal record
Men's Athletics
Olympic Games
Representing  Great Britain
Silver medal – second place 1984 Los Angeles Javelin
Commonwealth Games
Representing  England
Gold medal – first place 1986 Edinburgh javelin

Athletics career

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Ottley competed for Great Britain at the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, United States where he won the silver medal in the men's javelin throw event.

Ottley represented England, at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada[1] and also represented England, at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.[2] He represented England for a third time at the Commonwealth Games and won a gold medal in the javelin event, at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland.[3][4]

He won the AAA National Championship title in the javelin on six occasions.[5]

Personal life

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Ottley is referenced In "The Boy Who Cried Rat" episode of Good Morning Miss Bliss, in which Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) proclaims that nobody remembers second place, referencing the javelin throw of 1984 Summer Olympics. Miss Bliss however correctly identifies that the silver medallist was indeed Ottley.

Ottley now resides in Shropshire, having moved home from Essex to Telford,[6] and has two children.

International competitions

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Year Competition Venue Position Notes
Representing   Great Britain and   England
1984 Olympic Games Los Angeles, United States 2nd 85.74 m
1986 Commonwealth Games Edinburgh, United Kingdom 1st 80.62 m
1987 World Championships Rome, Italy 9th 77.64 m

References

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  1. ^ "1978 Athletes". Team England.
  2. ^ "1982 Athletes". Team England.
  3. ^ "1986 Athletes". Team England.
  4. ^ "Athletes and results". Commonwealth Games Federation.
  5. ^ "AAA and National Championships Medallists - Javelin". NUTS.
  6. ^ Elderwick, David (1989). 50 Shropshire Celebrities, Past and Present. IMPRINT, Newtown, Wales. p. 47.