UNF field coach recognized for excellence in World Masters Championship

Jeff Wuerth

Assistant Athletics Director

Media Relations

(904) 620-4027

 This past month, Michael Brown, the University of North Florida assistant women’s field coach, won his fourth Javelin title in the 18^th World Masters Athletics Championships, held in Finland.

The World Masters comes around once every two years and features athletes from across the world sharing in the honor of competing against top athletes and representing their individual countries.

Brown, who currently holds the world record for javelin (65.35 meters) in his age group, finished first in the men’s javelin throw with his best throw being recorded at 62.20 meters, which is around 205 feet.

In the 55-59 age group Brown was able to surpass men from Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland and Russia, including some former Olympians.

Yesterday, Channel 12 First Coast News came out to UNF’s Hodges Stadium to videotape and talk with Brown about how it felt to compete and represent his country at the World Masters Championships.

“It was great to compete alongside these athletes,” said Brown. “But the true honor was to wear this USA uniform, representing this country and listening to our National Anthem being played. It ran shivers down my spine.”

Brown's main responsibility at UNF since the summer of 2007 has been coaching all throwing events, including the javelin. 

Brown graduated from Jacksonville with a bachelor's degree in 1976, before getting his bachelor's education from UNF in 1983. While at JU, Brown was as a member of the baseball team.

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