by Larry EderThe Women’s shot put was given the prominence it deserves tonight, and we were treated to some fantastic throwing! Congratulations to all of the competitors. The following is my story on the Women’s shot put.
Chase Ealey, silver, Auriol Dongmo, gold, Jessica Schilder, bronze, Women’s shot put, photo by Getty Images for World Athletics
Auriol Dongmo takes first gold for Portugal in Women’s shot put
The women’s shot put has seen the recent announcement that Dame Valeria Adams has retired from the shot put. Adams has, for over a decade, kept the women’s shot put at a global high level. During that same time, a group of young American women has been making their presence seen and heard in various competitions.
In Europe, Auriol Dongmo, from Portugal has built a strong resume, of fine competitions in European Indoor Champs, Outdoor Champs, and Diamond League meetings.
The women’s shot was led by Auriol Dongmo with two throws of 19.32m, in the first two attempts. Jessica Schilder took the lead with a big 19.46m in round 4. Then, in round 5, the shot came alive. Then, Chase Ealey, who had been looking good all competition, blew her PB away with a fine 20.21m, taking the lead with her fifth-round final throw.
Chase Ealey, silver medalist, photo by Kathy Camara via Peacock TV
Auriol Dongmo went into the ring, and with a huge grimace, threw 20.43m, a monstrous throw, and the Portuguese thrower was tempting history! Never before had a woman shot putter from Portugal taken gold in the World Indoors!
It was a beautiful throw!
And no one could answer it. In the sixth round, Jessica Schiller, who had been relegated to third, improved with her 19.48m throw, keeping the bronze for the Netherlands.
Auriol Dongmo, gold medalist, photo by Kathy Camara, via Peacock TV
Auriol Dongmo, so happy after her first throw over 20 meters, and with her gold medal, told the media:
“To go first time in my carrier over 20 meters is just an incredible feeling. I knew I was ready for this strong improvement, I was strongly prepared this winter. But I wasn’t sure when I’m able to fulfill all my potential. Finally, I was managed to show my best result at the right time and at the right place. Tonight I felt calm and was really confident. I have no words to describe this feeling to become the world champion, to be back on the top of the world again. This victory will motivate me, even more, to continue with short put on the highest level. It motivates me to work hard to reach a podium in Oregon 2022. I have been dreaming about an Olympic medal last summer, but it wasn’t happening. I wanted to dedicate my medal from Tokyo to my coach, so, I have the opportunity to do it today.”
Chase Ealey, preparing to throw, photo by Kathy Camara, via Peacock TV
Chase Ealey, taking both a silver medal and her PB of 20.21m home, spoke to the media about her medal:
“It’s always disappointing not to win the gold but I feel like as I set a PB, I couldn’t have done any better. I know I can throw farther but it’s hard to throw so big and then have to answer back. I told my training partner (Sophie McKinna) that I was turning into her with all my screaming after that big throw. All the yelling and screaming is not really me usually but as soon as I threw 20m suddenly I had it in me. My voice is gone, I don’t know how she does it all the time. But it’s so exciting throwing that far, it hits you like a boat. I’ve been training really well so me and my coach knew it was there. When Auriol (Dongmo) responded I was more excited that the competition was so good because we’ve been saying that we’re going to make it more interesting than the boys. I think we might have done that a little bit. It’s hard to do, but I think we might have given them a run for their money for entertainment right there. I always say I want to be the female Ryan Crouser, that’s my goal. I want to be throwing so far that everyone is chasing you instead of the other way round. Usually, I don’t throw well indoors so outdoors might be interesting for me.”
Oh, and I forgot to add, Chase Ealey, who we interviewed in #SocialingtheDistance, has also set an American indoor record with her 20.21m!
In the bronze medal position, Jessica Schilder was very happy with her medal, and she noted with the press:
“I really enjoyed the championship. I am looking forward to the future. I didn’t expect to win the bronze medal. It was a really exiting competition and I really enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get a medal after the first throw. I’m looking forward to Oregon now.”
A very satisfying women’s shot put. I hope that Valeria Adams was watching the competition with her children. She has built a legacy that I hope these young women respect and realize that they stand on the shoulders of the great ones.
