Ed and Shirley Burke are longtime residents of Los Gatos. They opened the club in 1981, and still run the business today. They are the reason why the Los Gatos Athletic Club is so successful. Perhaps you have heard their names before. They have quite a story.
Ed and Shirley have not only been a team in marriage, but in sport as well. Ed is a three time Olympic hammer thrower. Shirley was his coach from the beginning. Ed competed in the 1964 and the 1968 Games, and then took a long break from the sport. He had two children and settled in Los Gatos.
In 1981 the Los Gatos Athletic Club opened its doors, with Shirley as his partner in business. With a little encouragement and a vision he began training again, at the age of 40, for his third Olympic Games. Once again, Shirley was there to guide him. Not only did he make the team in 1984, but he was chosen as the flag bearer in Opening Ceremonies.
Ed is now retired from competition, but has maintained his involvement of the sport by coaching young throwers and establishing a program that has produced five national team members and two 1996 Olympians. He has chaired numerous Community Based Organizations and Councils including the US Olympic Committee and Junior Olympic Committee.
Both Ed and Shirley are focused on running their business in a family oriented style. They are known throughout the community as a team that is an example of what is possible in marriage, partnership and business.
Jim McDonald
General Manager
Education: B.S. in Exercise Physiology with a minor in nutrition at San Jose State University
AAHFP Post-Rehabilitation Certification
AAHFP Medical Exercise Certification
