A graduate of San Jose State, Burke was a three-time Olympic hammer thrower whose career spanned two decades. A member of the United States Olympic teams in 1964, 1968 and 1984, Burke set an American record in 1967 that stood for 14 years.  After an 11-year absence from the sport, he embarked on a comeback with the goal of another Olympic team.  The oldest member of the Olympic team in 1984, Burke was chosen to carry the American flag during the Opening Ceremony.

A courageous and enduring champion, Burke was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.