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World’s leading throwers to compete at Prefontaine Classic

Posted May 24th, 2007 at 8:30 AM by Jeanie Rebb

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

Christian Cantwell .jpg The top throwers on the IAAF World Rankings list in the men’s shot put and women’s javelin throw will compete June 10 at the 2007 Prefontaine Classic Grand Prix at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

The fourth event of USA Track & Field’s 2007 Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the Nike Prefontaine Classic will be televised live on NBC from 4-6 p.m. on June 10.

The men’s shot put winner last weekend at the adidas Track Classic in Carson, Calif., Christian Cantwell posted a world-leading throw of 21.96 meters/72 feet .75 inch. He’ll face reigning World Indoor champion Reese Hoffa, who ended last year ranked #1 in the world by Track & Field News.

Also look for two-time Olympic silver medalist and reigning World champion Adam Nelson and Dan Taylor, who ended last season ranked #8 in the world. Two-time Olympic medalist and three-time World Outdoor champion John Godina, also will be in the mix following an injury-plagued 2006 campaign.

The women’s throwing events will include Kim Kreiner and Suzy Powell, who earlier this year set American records in their respective events.

Kreiner increased her U.S. record in the javelin throw for the sixth time in her career with her toss of 64.19 meters/210 feet 7 inches on May 16. Known more for her prowess in the discus throw, Suzy Powell, who set the American record in that event last month, will challenge a strong field in the javelin. Powell was the NCAA javelin runner-up and Pac-10 champion in 1997.

Others to watch in the women’s javelin include the Czech Republic’s Barbora Spotakova, who broke through last year to climb to the top of the IAAF World Rankings with a best mark of 66.21m/217-2 . She will be challenged by Dane Christina Scherwin, now living and training in Eugene, who ranked #6 in the world last year by T&FN; and Spaniard Mercedes Chilla, who ranked #7 globally.

Tickets are available at the Casanova Center ticket office, by calling 1-800-WEBFOOT, or online at www.goducks.com. USATF welcomes you to pay with your Visa.

For more information on the 2007 Visa Championship Series, visit www.usatf.org.