Mats Nilsson (javelin thrower)

Mats Nilsson
Mats Nilsson, 2004
Personal information
Full nameMats Inge Nilsson
NationalitySwedish
BornTyresö, Stockholm County
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight~180 lb
Sport
CountrySweden
SportTrack and field
EventJavelin
ClubKlippans FK
Retired2005
Achievements and titles
Personal best77.14 m
Medal record
Men's Athletics

NCAA

1997 Bloomington, IN Javelin
1996 Eugene, OR Javelin
1998 Buffalo, NY Javelin

Mats Nilsson is a 4-time male javelin thrower who competed for the University of Alabama (1995–1998), the University of Texas at El Paso (2000–2001), and the Swedish National Team (1991–2004). He was ranked top-10 in the world as a junior, a perennial medalist at the Swedish Championships, and became Crimson Tide's first NCAA champion in the javelin throw in history. Mats Nilsson received his PhD in exercise physiology.

He is the younger brother of Joakim Nilsson.

Progression

  • 1989: 48.80 m/160.1 ft (600 g)
  • 1990: 63.02 m/206.7 ft (600 g)
  • 1991: 72.22 m/236.9 ft (600 g), 65.90 m/216.2 (700 g); EYOD Silver Medalist [1] European Youth Olympic Festival
  • 1992: 61 m/200.1 ft (800 g)
  • 1993: 66.72 m/218.8 ft (800 g)
  • 1994: 70.14 m/230.1 ft (800 g); Junior World Championships 9th place
  • 1995: 72.20 m/236.8 ft (800 g)
  • 1996: 76.66 m/251.5 ft (800 g); NCAA Silver Medalist, SEC Gold Medalist
  • 1997: 77.14 m/253.08 ft (800 g); NCAA Gold Medalist, SEC Gold Medalist, M22 European Championships 10th place

Other

  • Ranked top-100 in the world 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, and 2004 with the 800 g javelin
  • "All-American" 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000
  • WAC Champion 2000
  • Medalist Swedish Championships 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, and 2004