Mats Nilsson is a 4-time male javelin thrower who competed for the University of Alabama (1995–1998), the University of Texas at El Paso (2000–2001), and the Swedish National Team (1991–2004). He was ranked top-10 in the world as a junior, a perennial medalist at the Swedish Championships, and became Crimson Tide's first NCAA champion in the javelin throw in history. Mats Nilsson received his PhD in exercise physiology.
He is the younger brother of Joakim Nilsson.
Progression 1989: 48.80 m/160.1 ft (600 g) 1990: 63.02 m/206.7 ft (600 g) 1991: 72.22 m/236.9 ft (600 g), 65.90 m/216.2 (700 g); EYOD Silver Medalist European Youth Olympic Festival 1992: 61 m/200.1 ft (800 g) 1993: 66.72 m/218.8 ft (800 g) 1994: 70.14 m/230.1 ft (800 g); Junior World Championships 9th place 1995: 72.20 m/236.8 ft (800 g) 1996: 76.66 m/251.5 ft (800 g); NCAA Silver Medalist, SEC Gold Medalist 1997: 77.14 m/253.08 ft (800 g); NCAA Gold Medalist, SEC Gold Medalist, M22 European Championships 10th place
Other Ranked top-100 in the world 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, and 2004 with the 800 g javelin "All-American" 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 WAC Champion 2000 Medalist Swedish Championships 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, and 2004