A World Record By Crouser, And Big-Time HS Field Moments
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While Ryan Crouser likely doesn't want to get into the predication game, perhaps his prognostication on Friday was spot-on.
At a breakfast for The Simplot Games supporters and guests, he was the keynote speaker and offered his thoughts: "I'm going into Saturday with the goal to set the indoor world record," the Idaho State Journal reported of Crouser's attempts in the shot put.
A day later, his words came true, with the two-time Olympic gold medalist re-setting the indoor world record at 76 feet, 8.5 inches with the 16-pound implement, per ratification. Crouser also owns the indoor high school national record with the 12-pound weight. He set a mark of 77-2.75 in 2011.
The performance was all the more significant considering Crouser had opted against the USATF Indoor Championships, which were taking place simultaneously on Saturday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in favor of Simplot, where he last set the high school national record.
That being said, while Crouser lived up to his word, a slate of high school action was taking place across the day, too.
In the girls pole vault, Peak to Peak (CO) junior Kourtney Rathke (above) cleared 13 feet, 1.25 inches, nearly setting a new Simplot Games record.
Sophia Beckmon, a senior from Oregon City, earned a win in the long jump with a mark of 20-3, nearly tying her season-best 20-3.25 from January.
Cassandra Atkins, a junior from Federal Way (WA), eclipsed 40-feet in the triple jump en route to her victory in 40-0.75. It's a U.S. No. 14 mark.
Jake McEachern, a Toronto native and 18-year-old athlete, won the weight throw with a mark of 67-2.50.
The Scoop:
Page 2: Gero-Holt, Moll excel at USATF Indoor
Page 3: Breaking down the field action at the Simplot Games
Page 4: Top distance performances were on display at Simplot
Page 5: The Louie Bing Invite didn't disappoint
Page 6: D.C.'s finest showed up at MVP Vibefest ChicagoLand
Page 7: Connecticut State Records Fall
Page 8: Louisiana State Championships saw another team double