Amelia Campbell, a British shot putter who met the selection criteria set by World Athletics, was excluded from the Paris Olympics team. Campbell, who won the British title last week, expressed her disappointment and considered retiring from athletics. This decision comes after she was denied participation in her seventh major championships. Several other British athletes faced similar situations due to UK Athletics’ policy of declining invites where athletes haven’t met their standard, despite meeting the world ranking criteria. This has sparked criticism for its impact on athletes’ mental well-being and the message it sends to young aspiring athletes.
Results for: Shot Put
Tajinderpal Singh Toor, India’s top shot putter and Asian record holder, will miss the National Inter-State Athletics Championships, a crucial qualifier for the Paris Olympics, due to an ankle injury. This comes as a setback for Toor, who was aiming to qualify for the Games through world ranking quota. The AFI’s strict rules regarding participation in the championships add another layer of complexity to Toor’s situation.
Two-time Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser overcame a series of injuries, including a torn pectoral muscle and ulnar nerve issues, to qualify for the US Olympic trials final with a single throw. Despite the challenges, Crouser is optimistic about his chances in Paris.
New Jersey athletes made a strong showing in the discus and shot put competitions at the national meet on Friday. Bergen Catholic’s Ben Shue earned top American honors in the discus, finishing second overall with a throw of 201-11. He initially posted a 192-6 to qualify for the finals.
Moore Catholic’s Track and Field team had an impressive showing at the CHSAA Novice Intersectional Championships, securing fifth place with a total of 23 points. Sophomore standout Gerald Green showcased his athleticism, claiming two gold medals in both the high jump and 100-meter dash. Green’s remarkable performance in the high jump saw him tie with teammate Matthias Lighten, as both athletes cleared an impressive height of 5-8, setting a new Island-leading record. Furthermore, Green’s exceptional run in the 100-meter dash earned him a top qualifying time of 10.82 seconds in the prelims, which he surpassed in the finals with a remarkable 10.46 seconds, breaking a sophomore school record previously held by Kile Gargiulo since 1998. Adding to Moore Catholic’s success, sophomore Omar Mendez triumphed in the novice shot put event, achieving a remarkable 38-6 throw, exceeding his previous best by over a foot. The team also set season bests, capturing third place medals in both the Varsity 4×100 (47.18) and freshman 4×100 (51.50) events, demonstrating their overall strength and depth.