* Jonathan Harris enters the AAU Junior Olympics as the top seed in the shot put
Photo Credit: Tom Harkins/MileSplit New Jersey
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Another day, another in-depth preview of some of the top storylines surrounding the AAU Junior Olympic Games, one of the final postseason meets of the 2024 track and field season.
While there is plenty of action to catch on the track and the infield over all five days of competition, some of the best events to watch will be taking place just outside of the stadium.
Next up, we turn our focus to the throws.
All three throwing events: shot put, discus and javelin, are absolutely loaded with star power, and there are most certainly going to be monster throws coming our way.
AAU Junior Olympic Games Previews:
WATCH LIVE: THE 2024 AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES
COVERAGE BEGINS AIRING ON JULY 27 AT 8:00 a.m. EST
For more coverage, check out our AAU Junior Olympic Games meet page
Jonathan Harris Seeking First AAU Junior Olympics Shot Put Title
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The high school junior out of New Jersey is making his AAU Junior Olympic Games debut, and he's got a legitimate shot of winning gold his first time around.
Three of Jonathan Harris' best performances this spring all came during his three final meets, highlighted by his lifetime best of 63-2.75 at the AAU Club Championship.
At the NJSIAA Meet of Champions and the AAU Club Championships, the Delsea Regional (NJ) standout launched the implement 62-7.5 and 62-10.75 feet, respectively. Those marks were the No. 4 and No. 3 efforts of his high school career.
On paper, Harris won't be alone in the competition by any means -- with 18 competitors coming into the meet with seed marks over 50-0 -- but as the only guy to throw it past 57-5, it's looking like this is his title to lose.
Harris is also throwing the discus, where he is ranked 16th among the field.
Kalyn Washburn & Rylee Jenkins Ready To Battle On The Javelin Runway
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With nearly 80 high school girls gearing up to throw the javelin this weekend, only two of them have managed to throw beyond 130 feet.
Kalyn Washburn, a high school junior out of Hodgeman County (KS) and Rylee Jenkins, a recently graduated senior from Rock Port (MO), both sit atop the list of entries for this weekend's competition, each hoping for a title.
Washburn has eclipsed the 130 foot mark mark twice this season -- once in early May and most recently at her AAU Regional just over a month ago.
Jenkins, on the other hand, is coming off a huge lifetime best throw of 133-10.25, a mark she achieved last month at the same regional as Washburn.
With a month of preparation and some newfound confidence for Jenkins, this duel has the potential for a tough battle, one that could even produce a throw over 140-0 for either girl.
Neither one is limiting themselves to just the javelin in Greensboro, NC, with Washburn competing in the pole vault and Jenkins throwing the discus and shot put as well.
Photo Credit: Rachael Glauber
Ashley Fuller Sets Sights On 150-0 Mark In Discus
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The 150 foot mark in discus isn't an easy feat to achieve as a thrower, especially considering that not even 70 girls were able to accomplish it this outdoor season.
However, there's no better place to join the club than the grand finale of your season, the AAU Junior Olympics.
Colonial Forge (VA) junior Ashley Fuller has her eyes on one thing and one thing only: The discus title.
In her penultimate season before her post-high school plans, Fuller tallied five wins in the event and concluded her season with a third-place finish at the VHSL Class 6 State Championships.
However, the best part of her junior campaign has been the personal best mark that came at New Balance Nationals Outdoor. Fuller throw a mark of 143-10, improving her previous best by nearly a foot.
In terms of competition, Fuller will have over 80 competitors, but only five that have thrown farther than 130-0 according to seed marks.
Fuller is entered solely in the discus, and her recent success and gap on the field could be the perfect combination for gold.
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