Richard Sheldon (athlete)

Richard Sheldon (July 9, 1878 – January 23, 1935) was an American athlete who competed in the late 19th century and early 20th century. He was primarily known as a shot putter and weight thrower.

Sheldon was born in Rutland, Vermont. He represented the United States at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. There, he won the gold medal in the shot put with a throw of 14.10 meters. He also participated in the discus throw, finishing third and earning a bronze medal with a throw of 34.60 meters.

Beyond the Olympics, Sheldon achieved success in various Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competitions. He won the AAU shot put championship in 1897 and 1899. He also excelled in the hammer throw and other weight throwing events.

Sheldon was inducted into the U.S. Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1984.