IT WASN’T A CHANGING of the guard, exactly — a shuffling of the deck was more like it. But with a new national champion and the reigning world champion on her way back from foot surgery, the women’s hammer podium had a new look this year in an historically deep national championship.
World-list leader Brooke Andersen, 26, won her first national title, taking the lead with her second-round 250-4 (76.30) and never being headed. Her third- and fourth-round marks were just under 255-11 (78.00), with the winner a stellar 255-9 (77.96).
“It was a very consistent series and I’m very, very happy with it,” said the Tokyo finalist. “The first one didn’t go as planned. I fouled it, but I’m just happy I could execute when I needed to get a good mark — and a fair mark — and build from there.”
Janee’ Kassanavoid took the lead with her opening throw and then was a steady 2nd throughout the remaining 5 rounds. The ’22 indoor weight champ concluded with her best of 249-6 (76.04).
“It means a great deal,” she said. “It essentially is what I’ve worked for and what I’ve committed to for the last 8 years, so it’s super-huge. Everyone that supports me understands that this is the goal at the end of the day: to be a World finalist and bring home a medal.”
Annette Echikunwoke assured herself of a return trip to Eugene this summer with her second-round 242-0 (73.76). “I was just happy to get one out there that was solid,” she said. “I was happy I was able to do it today and get 3rd.
“I was really in disbelief,” she said of her joyful exit from the ring as she realized she had made her first WC team. “I’m just really grateful.”
Reigning world champ DeAnna Price continued her steady comeback and finished a strong 4th with her season’s best 239-8 (73.09). Owning the defending champion’s Wild Card, she will compete in Eugene as part of a deep 4-entry US contingent. “I’m a fighter,” she said. “I’m excited because I know what I can do.”
Kassanavoid said, “I need to take a deep breath and go throw.”
WOMEN’S HAMMER RESULTS
(June 23)
1. Brooke Andersen (Nik/Iron) 255-9 (77.96)
(f, 250-4, 255-7, 255-9, f, 249-10) (f, 76.30, 77.91, 77.96, f, 76.14);
2. Janee’ Kassanavoid (Nik) 249-6 (76.04)
(240-10, 248-0, 240-5, 179-8, 249-6, f) (73.42, 75.59, 73.28, 54.77, 76.04, f);
3. Annette Echikunwoke (unat) 242-0 (73.76)
(230-0, 242-0, 232-3, f, f, 233-3) (70.11, 73.76, 70.78, f, f, 71.10);
4. DeAnna Price (Nik/NYAC) 239-8 (73.07)
(239-5, 233-6, 234-10, f, 236-0, 239-8) (72.99, 71.19, 71.58, f, 71.95, 73.07);
5. Maggie Ewen (Nik) 238-6 (72.70)
(232-0, f, 233-11, f, 229-0, 238-6) (70.72, f, 71.31, f, 69.80, 72.70);
6. Alyssa Wilson (unat) 235-4 (71.73)
(227-4, 228-2, 235-4, f, 224-8, 235-3) (69.31, 69.56, 71.73, f, 68.48, 71.71);
7. Gwen Berry (Puma) 232-9 (70.94)
(226-3, f, f, 232-9, f, 229-7) (68.96, f, f, 70.94, f, 69.98);
8. Lisa Wilson (Tracks) 223-0 (67.99); 9. Autavia Fluker (unat) 219-10 (67.02); 10. Madi Malone (Aub) 219-0 (66.77); 11. Shauniece Oneal (SnIl) 218-9 (66.68); 12. Maddy Nilles (Vel) 218-8 (66.64); 13. Jillian Shippee (NC) 218-7 (66.62); 14. Erin Reese (Vel) 216-5 (65.96); 15. Lara Boman (Vel) 214-0 (65.23); 16. Elisia Lancaster (SnIl) 212-10 (64.88); 17. Shelby Moran (unat) 211-9 (64.55); 18. Whitney Simmons (TOD) 206-6 (62.95); 19. Lauren Jones (Ok) 200-6 (61.12);… 3f—Jalani Davis (Ms), Jade Gates (Ky), Janeah Stewart (NYAC), Rachel Tanczos (NDm). ◻︎