byLarry EderRyan Whiting upset the charts today and took the gold in a fine throw of 22 meters! Here is how we saw the first final of the 2012 World Champs!
Updated March 10, 2012
Well, this was one of the best examples of just how competitive and fun the men’s shot put can be! (Women’s too, just using this as example).
Ryan Whiting, Shot Put gold, 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.net
David Storl, the 2011 World Champion, lead the qualifying this morning, with a 21.43m. Reese Hoffa threw 21.23m and was second. Tomasz Majewski of Poland threw 21.17m, and German Lauro of Argentina threw 20.40 for a national record. Ryan Whiting of the US was the fifth best qualifier, with a throw of 20.37m. He did the job, but it was not a spectacular qualifying throw.
Ryan Whiting takes gold, 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.
David Storl knew that to push his competitors, he had to throw big from the start. This is what I call the Miklos Nemeth method, the 1976 gold medalist in the javelin, who blew the world record away on his first throw in Montreal.
Storl made this mighty yell and BOOM, he was out in 21.88m. Reese Hoffa followed with 20.40m. Ryan Whiting popped a 21.59m to move into second. Right after him Tomaz Majewski, the 2008 Beijing gold medalist, threw a NR 21.28m. In Round two, Storl fouled, and Reese Hoffa woke up, throwing 21.55m to move him into third. Majewski answered that with a 21.59m, moving himself into third and another NR.
Maxim Sidorov improved to 20.78m in round three as David Storl popped 21.86m, his second longest throw of the day. Round four was no improvements, although Whiting had his third throw over 21 meters, with 21.16m.
Ryan Whiting wins the shot! 2012 World Indoors, photo by PhotoRun.net
Round five saw Reese Hoffa foul for the second time. Then, it got hot! Ryan Whiting unwound and threw 22 meters! The tenth longest throw in indoor history, his personal best and Whiting took the lead over Storl in the competition. Tomasz Majewski, the Polish giant, responded with another NR of 21.72m, keeping himself in the medals!
In round six, German Lauro of Argentina threw 20.38m to improve to sixth position. Ryan Whiting threw 21.98m, a beast of a throw after his 22.00m, and Tomasz Majewski walked out of the ring, tired, and calling it a day.
David Storl had one throw left and he heaved it, but walked out of the ring, fouled, knowing that he had a good day, not great day.
Here is what Ryan had to say about his win!
“We stumbled in Daegu so I am happy to give another gold to the US in the
Shot Put and to start the year on the right foot. I know I had the 22
meters in me. It was long time coming. I had not improved my PB in two
years. I was building from the first throw and I know it was just a
matter of time, a big throw or a foul. I reached a milestone (22 meters)
and I know it will be easier from now on. I hurt my ankle and missed
the Olympics in 2008. I want to focus on things that really help me,
stay healthy and work harder for London.”
Ryan Whiting had a great day!
Ryan takes Gold! photo by Gary Morgan
For complete results, please click on Men’s Shot Put
