Bill Skinner

Bill Skinner (December 27, 1939 – October 5, 2015) was an American javelin thrower. He held the national title in 1970 and 1971 and won a silver medal at the 1971 Pan American Games. Born in Wilmington and raised in New Castle, Delaware, Skinner enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and completed his service in 1961. He played semi-professional football with the Wilmington Clippers and trained in boxing and weightlifting before transitioning to javelin throw. Skinner attended the University of Tennessee and graduated in industrial education. He continued his javelin career as a member of the New York Athletic Club. In 1971, he captained the U.S. team at the Pan American Games.