Ryan Whiting in Fayetteville (© Kirby Lee)
Ryan Whiting, a 21-year-old student from Arizona State University, propelled himself into the world shot put picture with a winning mark of 21.73.
Whiting, who finished 2007 with a best of 20.35, moves to 13th on the all-time indoor list, and more significantly to fourth on the list of currently active putters. That should make the Olympic Trials even more intriguing.
A collegiate record was set in the women’s 200 metres by 19-year-old Bianca Knight of the University of Texas. After leading the heats in 22.48, she came back two hours later to win the final by two metres in 22.40, making her the eighth fastest all-time indoors. She also led the qualifiers in the 60m with 7.16.
There was also quick sprinting in the men’s 60m, where Richard Thompson of Louisiana State led the qualifiers with 6.51; his teammate, Trindon Holliday, second in last year’s NCAA outdoor 100m, was next fastest in 6.55.
The men’s 60m Hurdles finished in a virtual dead heat (in 7.53) between Drew Brunson and Jason Richardson.
In the women’s long jump, an event which has languished in the U.S. this year, four jumpers were at 6.50 or better. The winner, at 6.76m, was Brittney Reese of Mississippi, who led the U.S. list in 2007.
Both 5000s were won by Kenyans. Sally Kipyego of Texas Tech won her second straight NCAA title in a 15:31.91, and Shadrack Songok of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men’s in 13:51.26.
James Dunaway for the IAAF
