Justin Anlezark a 'hot shotter' at the highest level

Born Katherine, Northern Territory, 14 August 1977

When it came to world firsts, Toowoomba shot putter JUSTIN (Judo) ALEZARK is Australia's number one man.

Justin proved to be one of Australia's most talented, durable and dedicated field athletes during a career which took him from the training grounds of Toowoomba to three successive Olympic Games.

Justin took on the powerhouses of world throwing at the 2000 Sydney Games, at Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.

His sixth place finish in Athens was the highest placing by any Australian shot putter in Olympic history.

Justin's Olympic highs headed his achievements which included a gold medal victory at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

In 2003 he became the first Australian to reach a World Championship shot put final.

Justin's fourth place finish remains the best performance by an Australian man in a throwing event at international level.

His personal best throw was 20.96 metres achieved in 2003 in Brisbane.

Justin's enduring feats at the highest level and obliging personality helped inspire generations of Darling Downs throwers including Lara Nielsen, Matthew Denny, Conor McLoughlin and Ellie Bowyer to follow him onto the international stage.

His contribution to Australian athletics continued in competition retirement as a coach.