Gill Athletics Revenue and Competitors

Gill Athletics (formerly known as Gill Sports) was founded nearly 80 years ago by Harry Gill. Hailed by Avery Brundage (long-time president of the International Olympic Committee) as not only the greatest athlete of his generation, but also the greatest coach. Gill was thrust into the amateur track and field spotlight at the turn of the century when he easily defeated the three-time U.S. champion in the "all around"- an event equivalent to today's Olympic decathlon. Four years later Gill was hired to be the head track coach for the University of Illinois, a position that he held for some thirty years. During this time he organized (and won) the first NCAA track meet, his team won 19 Big Ten championships, and accumulated an impressive record of winning 111 meets out of 135. Although he never coached an Olympic track team, at the 1924 Paris Games, his men from Illinois outscored every other group of nations. Gill had become so dissatisfied with American equipment by 1918 that he started into production of his own, the first item being an ash javelin. It was so well-received that he expanded into other products, offering a full line of track and field equipment by 1922. His desire for excellence in competition led to a number of innovations and improvements in track equipment over the years. Gill Sports Equipment developed a flex test so that poles could be matched to the vaulter's weight, and an aluminum and brass alloy pole which allowed Bob Richards to be the only repeat gold medalist in the vault (1952 and 1956). Gill has several hurdle improvements to enhance safety that led to the first tubular steel hurdle. Revolutionary designs also include both the high-heeled starting blocks and those with adjustable pedals, and the Hollowood wood center discus that enabled Jay Sylvester to set two world records in 1968. The tradition continues today, most notably with the Pacer Carbon FX pole. Its special combination of fiberglass and carbon fiber makes it the lightest and the most powerful pole in the world. It was used to capture current 2004 NCAA Championship and in addition the only 6 meter jump in the world this year at Modesto. Gill Athletics today is not only the largest manufacturer of track and field equipment in the world, but also the oldest manufacturer that carries a complete product line. We strive to continue in the tradition of excellence of our founder with constant improvements and quality products for every level of athletic competition.