Men's Shot Put Results
A break in the action on the track after the men's 100 semis provided a rare treat. The men's shot put suddenly became the center of attention for 20,000 enthusiastic spectators entering the final round. At that point, Hunter held a commanding lead with his 71-63/4, trailed by Nelson' s first round 69-111/2, Godina's 69-21/2 and Bloom's 65-73/4.
With all eyes on him, Bloom spun and launched a huge put past the 70-foot line. The crowd, and Bloom, went nuts. He jumped around while the officials measured. The announced distance of 70-103/4 produced a great roar from the crowd and moved Bloom, who has been suffering from a back injury as of late, moved into third place ahead of Godina.
Godina had the opportunity to come back, but he was unable to stay in the ring and fouled, losing his spot on the team.
Nelson's spot on the team was secure, but he was to have one more crack at the win. He spun and launched the ball, heaving it out well past the 70-foot line. He too went nuts. The crowd, already charged by Bloom's display, really got into the act. As the distance was announced, 72-7 a whole new group of shot put fans was formed.
Nelson's mark was the best in the world this year, making him the 9th best ever in history and the 4th best American ever.
But Nelson couldn't fully enjoy his mark until Hunter threw. CJ stepped into the ring, the crowd clapping and hollering. He spun and heaved the ball out near Nelson' s mark, but apparently slightly less. Yes, Hunter's 71-9 was a personal best, making him the 7th best American ever, but leaving him short of Nelson.
The Rome '87 Worlds had 5 guys over 70 feet, as opposed to only 3 here, but grizzled veterans would be hard pressed to recall a better shot put on U.S. soil.
/Dan Lilot/Results
1. Adam Nelson (Nik) 72-7 (22.12) PR (WL, AL) (9. x W) (4, x A); 2. CJ Hunter (Nik) 71-9 (21.87) PR (7, x A); 3. Andy Bloom (Nik) 70-103/4 (21.61) PR; 4. John Godina (Reeb) 69-21/2 (21.09); 5. Kevin Toth (Nik) 64-3 (19.58); 6. Resse Hoffa (Ga) 6221/4 (18.95); 7. Steven Albert (unat) 61-3 (18.67); 8. Jarrod Rome (Boise) 61-21/4 (18.65); 9. John Davis (unat) 59-101/4 (18.24); 10. Brad Mears (MF) 59-81/2 (18.20); 11. Dennis Black (unat) 59-4 (18.08); 12. Aaron Banks (unat) 59-31/2 (18.07).
Prelims
Qualifying took place in two rings. C.J. Hunter notched an easy automatic qualifier on his toss. The other automatic qualifiers (over 65-71/2/20.00) were Kevin Toth, the hot-as-of-late Adam Nelson, John Davis and Kevin Toth. John Godina and and Andy Bloom did not look very impressive and did not reach the automatic qualifying line, but did get into the final as the first two non-auto qualifiers.Results
I-1. Adam Nelson (Nik) 68-33/4 (20.82); 2. CJ Hunter (Nik) 65-81/4 (20.02); 3. Brad Mears (MF) 60-3 (18.36); 4. Dennis Black (unat) 60-1/2 (18.30); 5. Richard Harrison (unat) 59-53/4 (18.13); 6. Jim Roberts (BYU) 58-10 (17.93); 7. Dave Rodely (unat) 58-33/4 (17.77); 8. Ben Lindsey (Wa) 58-3 (17.75); 9. Mark Hoxmeier (Boise) 57-31/2 (17.46); 10. Matt Godbehere (Flav) 56-1 (17.09); 11. Jason Hammond (Wy) 55-11 (17.04);… 3f-Christian Cantwell (Mo);… 3f-Josh Hagedorn (unat).
II-1. John Davis (unat) 66-3 (20.19); 2. Kevin Toth (Nik) 65-101/2 (20.08); 3. John Godina (Reeb) 65-31/2 (19.90); 4. Andy Bloom (Nik) 65-0 (19.81); 5. Steven Albert (unat) 62-73/4 (19.09); 6. Resse Hoffa (Ga) 61-3/4 (18.61); 7. Jarrod Rome (Boise) 60-111/2 (18.58); 8. Aaron Banks (unat) 59-11 (18.26); 9. Tonyo Sylvester (USAr) 59-81/4 (18.19); 10. Van Mounts (USC) 58-33/4 (17.77); 11. Jamie Beyer (IaSt) 57-41/4 (17.48);… 3f-Allen Babayan (unat).