Armstrong Captures Downtown Shot Put At Kansas Relays
Downtown Shotput Venue Creates an Electric Atmosphere
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Relays took their show to downtown Lawrence Wednesday night to much success. An estimated crowd of at least 2,500 gathered around a man-made shot put area on the corner of Eighth and New Hampshire Streets and witnessed some of the best in the world perform in a fun, excitement-packed setting.
Standing 10-deep in several spots, fans witnessed eight of the world's top shot putters hurl a 16-pound ball 60-70 feet.
Dylan Armstrong, the seventh-ranked shot putter in the world, posted a throw of 70-00.25 in the third of six rounds. While that mark would have been good enough to win, the five-time Canadian national champion and 2008 Olympian wasn't through.
He bested that mark with a toss of 70-07.25 in the fifth round to win the event. Reece Hoffa, currently ranked number two in the world, finished second with a throw of 69-03.50. Adam Nelson, a 35-year old, two-time Olympic silver medalist, came in third at 68-05.25.
"Today was awesome competing here," Armstrong said. "The crowd was great and I know that the shot putters really enjoyed it and appreciated it."
With a supportive crowd behind them, the athletes also showed support for each other, high fiving and yelling encouragement to their fellow competitors.
"This is a great group of guys who are all friends and support each other and push each other hard," Armstrong said.
The shot put was the first of two Kansas Relay events to be held downtown. Thursday night at 6 p.m. Eighth Street, between Vermont and Massachusetts, will be the site of the open long jump.
The Kansas Relays continue Thursday with the conclusion of the decathlon and heptathlon events, the hammer throw and distance events in Memorial Stadium. The Relays continue through Saturday. For information log on to www.KansasRelays.com.
Kansas Relays Men's Shot Put Invitational
1. Dylan Armstrong, 70-07.25; 2. Reese Hoffa, 69-03.50; 3. Adam Nelson, 68-05.25; 4. Corey Martin, 67-11.75; 5. Ryan Whiting, 67-11.00; 6. Dorian Scott, 66-00.50, Noah Bryant, 65-11.00; 8. Dan Taylor, 62-07.25