Stephen Andrew Seymour (October 4, 1920, in New York City – June 18, 1973, in Los Angeles) was an American physician and track and field coach and athlete, who in the 1948 London Olympics won America's first silver medal in the javelin throw, a feat that to-date would be repeated only in the 1952 Olympics.
Around this time he abandoned his side arm delivery and began to use a technique known as the "front cross", which he would maintain and continue to refine.
Since around 1930, Finnish javeliners had primarily dominated the sport, and with over 20 medals they continue to hold the most of any country by a considerable margin.
[4][5] Seeking to refine his skills, Seymour spent 1946 in Finland, training with that nation's world-class throwers.
At release, the arm would be extended overhead and slightly in front of the body, near the top of the arc, with the athlete often looking in the direction of the throw.
[3] 1948 was a memorable year in Seymour's career; he won a second consecutive national AAU title, and in his most notable achievement, a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in London.
[3] In 1950, Seymour added a third national championship to his collection; and in 1951 he was the silver medalist at the Pan American Games.
[3] In 1961 Seymour was the co-ordinating Project Director for a report to President Kennedy, called “The Soft American: Problems and Solutions.” There were 105 people interviewed for the article, including several well-known athletes.