WORLD LEADER Maggie Ewen declared in Oslo last month, “American shot put is on fire at the moment, so the Trials are going to be tough.”
Ewen did her part, producing a sizzling series capped by a throw of 65-4¼ (19.92) to win her first outdoor national title since ’18. Each of her attempts easily would have won the competition, with Ohio State’s Adelaide Aquilla the only other thrower to surpass 19m at 62-5 (19.02) on her final toss.
“The series that I had, I really can’t be any happier,” said Ewen, who nonetheless had hoped to challenge her PR of 67-1¼ (20.45) from the LA GP in May.
Jalani Davis of Ole Miss upended the formchart, rising from 9th to make the podium. She held down 3rd throughout the event, although her fourth attempt of 61-1¼ (18.62), just shy of her PR, was matched by reigning world champion Chase Ealey on her fifth toss. Each had four fouls.
Ealey, who was undefeated and World Ranked No. 1 last season, and came in tied for No. 2 on the current year list with her May mark of 65-9¾ (20.06). However, she failed to exceed 19m for just the second time this season.
“I had the bye, so I chose this year to make some technical changes leading into Paris,” said Ealey. “I knew I would take a hit for it. I’m OK with that.”
Formchart favorite Ewen was determined to turn her Eugene fortunes around after placing 4th at the ’21 OT and 5th in ’22 (qualifying for Worlds as Diamond League champ and finishing 9th). The 28-year-old came out strong with an opening toss of 64-10 and was all smiles throughout the competition. Her shortest throw was her fifth (63-11/19.48).
Tokyo Olympian Aquilla, who also was runner-up at the ’22 Trials, opened with 61-5½ (18.73) and never relinquished 2nd.
Ewen, who planned to carry her momentum into Sunday’s hammer throw, will be seeking her first WC medal after coming tantalizingly close in ’19, finishing 4th in Doha. She’ll be a bridesmaid for Ealey at her upcoming wedding and expects her rival to be back in the picture in Budapest.
“When you have two people as talented as us who are competitive, but also respectful and supportive of each other,” Ewen said, “it allows both of us to rise to new heights.”
WOMEN’S SHOT RESULTS
(July 08)
1. Maggie Ewen (Nike) 65-4¼ (19.92)
(64-10, 65-2¼, 64-1¼, 64-11½, 63-11, 65-4¼) (19.76, 19.87, 19.54, 19.80, 19.48, 19.92);
2. Adelaide Aquilla (OhSt) 62-5 (19.02)
(61-5½, f, f, 59-11, 59-11¼, 62-5) (18.73, f, f, 18.26, 18.27, 19.02);
3. Jalani Davis (Ms) 61-1¼ (18.62) (f, 60-9½, f, 61-1¼, f, f) (f, 18.53, f, 18.62, f, f);
4. Chase Ealey (Nike) 61-1¼ (18.62)
(59-11¼, f, f, f, 61-1¼, f) (18.27, f, f, f, 18.62, f);
5. Jessica Woodard (Iron) 60-3¼ (18.37)
(56-11½, 56-11½, 60-3¼, f, f, 57-5½) (17.36, 17.36, 18.37, f, f, 17.51);
6. Jaida Ross (Or) 58-5¾ (17.82)
(54-8¾, 56-8½, 58-5¾, 57-7¾, 56-10, 56-7¼) (16.68, 17.28, 17.82, 17.57, 17.32, 17.25);
7. KeAyla Dove (NTx) 58-5¼ (17.81)
(f, 58-5¼, 58-3¼, f, f, f) (f, 17.81, 17.76, f, f, f);
8. Jayden Ulrich (In) 58-3¾ (17.77)
(56-2, 58-3¾, f, f, f, f) (17.12, 17.77, f, f, f, f);
9. Marilyn Nwora (Tx) 57-11 (17.65); 10. Chelsea Igberase (Al) 57-9¾ (17.62); 11. Hannah-Sophia Hall (Mia) 57-2¾ (17.44) PR; 12. Rachel Fatherly (GarS) 55-11¾ (17.06); 13. Mallory Kauffman (PennSt) 54-11¼ (16.74); 14. Monique Riddick (GarS) 54-10 (16.71); 15. Josie Schaefer (Wi) 53-11 (16.43);… 3f—Maura Huwalt (Aub).