A Giant Among Men: In Memory of Jean-Pierre Egger

Jean-Pierre Egger (30 July 1943 – 29 July 2025) is a legend in the world of sport. His contribution throughout the years is unrivalled and his legacy will live on for many generations to come.

As an athlete he represented his home country of Switzerland on two occasions at the Olympics in 1976 and 1980. His personal best of 20.25m achieved in 1979 placed him among the top shot putters of his time. His career highlights include nine Swiss Shot Put championship wins and three in the Discus.

However, he is probably most known for his work as a coach. He revolutionised sports science by using his double and triple periodisation models to prepare his athletes with the upmost skill and technique, allowing for perfectly timed development of power, speed and explosiveness.

His work with fellow Swiss shot putter Werner Günthor has become legendary. He coached Günthor to multiple world championships titles (1987, 1991 & 1993 Outdoor, and 1991 Indoor) and his 1988 Olympic Bronze medal. His scientific approach to preparation and planning of training and experimental techniques left an everlasting mark on sport, not just the throwing events.

In later years he guided Valerie Adams to two Olympic Gold Medals (2008 and 2012).

His legacy will live on through the countless athletes across the world who continue to utilise his unique yet effective approach to training.

Through the means of email I communicated with Jean-Pierre via his daughter only a few months ago. Till the end he was willing to share his advice and knowledge, a true testament to his kindness, professionalism and unwavering passion for coaching. (In the spirit of the great man I have included below the information he provided to me back in June).

RIP Jean-Pierre Egger a true giant of sporting greatness.

Key Achievements:

• 9 x Swiss Shot Put champion

• 3 x Swiss Discus throw champion

• Represented Switzerland at two Olympic Games (1976 & 1980)

• Personal Best Put of 20.25m (1979)

• Coached Werner Günthör to 3 x World Shot Put Championship titles (1987, 1991 & 1993) and an Olympic Bronze Medal (1988)

• Coached Valerie Adams to x 2 Olympic Gold Medals (2008 & 2012)

• Strength Coach to the Alinghi Sailing Team & Grasshopper Club Zurich

Advice to Throwers from Jean-Pierre to Vintage Strength (June 2025):

1. Maximum strength

   
   

The ability to develop significant strength, particularly in the legs, trunk and upper body, is essential. Strength is the physical basis for moving heavy weights.

2. Speed of execution

   
   

It's not enough to be strong: you also need to be able to mobilize that strength quickly. The development of power, i.e. strength applied at high speed, is crucial to achieving an explosive release of the weight.

3. Technique

   
   

The ability to effectively transmit the force produced to the implement through precise coordination of movement, good posture, optimal throwing angle and correct placement in the circle is essential.

To throw far, you need to:

* Develop maximum strength and power through targeted training (weightlifting, plyometric exercises, etc.).

* Work on throwing technique (glide or rotation) systematically, with expert coaching and video analysis.

* Optimise coordination and timing so that all segments of the body participate effectively in the transmission of energy.

Jean-Pierre Egger has always insisted on individualized training, respect for progression, and a balance between physical and mental work, notably through visualization and mental preparation.