SACRAMENTO – Three more Sun Devils – one current and two former – punched their tickets to the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, earning podium finishes at the U.S.A. Track & Field Championships in Sacramento on Sunday afternoon.
Rising junior and NCAA national champion Maggie Ewen came eight inches from winning the hammer throw over American record holder Gwen Berry. Entering her final throw, The Bowerman finalist sat in fifth and out of qualifying for London. Her final attempt of 74.56m (244-7) not only moved her into second place, but also broke her NCAA record and is the fourth-best throw by a U.S. athlete all-time.
"I've been trying to represent ASU to the best of my abilities all year, and I'm honored that now I have the opportunity to represent my country," said Ewen. "I am beyond happy, proud and excited."
Two former ASU athletes and NCAA champions also qualified for the World Championships, as six-time NCAA champion Ryan Whiting placed third in the shot put, and 2014 NCAA champion Bryan McBride finished first in the high jump.
Ironically, McBride's winning clearance of 2.30m (7-6.50) ties his personal best, which the Phoenix-native set at the Duel in the Desert in 2015.
All in all, a total of five Sun Devils – Ewen, Whiting, McBride, Chris Benard and Shelby Houlihan – have the ability to compete at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London from Aug. 4-13.
Rising junior and NCAA national champion Maggie Ewen came eight inches from winning the hammer throw over American record holder Gwen Berry. Entering her final throw, The Bowerman finalist sat in fifth and out of qualifying for London. Her final attempt of 74.56m (244-7) not only moved her into second place, but also broke her NCAA record and is the fourth-best throw by a U.S. athlete all-time.
"I've been trying to represent ASU to the best of my abilities all year, and I'm honored that now I have the opportunity to represent my country," said Ewen. "I am beyond happy, proud and excited."
2017 Hammer throw ?? medalist!
— SunDevilTFXC (@SunDevilTFXC) June 25, 2017
@MagdalynMaeEwen SENDSSS IT! Setting a new PR 74.56 (244-7) & ?? her ?? to #London2017 pic.twitter.com/jFEEyg90zD
Two former ASU athletes and NCAA champions also qualified for the World Championships, as six-time NCAA champion Ryan Whiting placed third in the shot put, and 2014 NCAA champion Bryan McBride finished first in the high jump.
Ironically, McBride's winning clearance of 2.30m (7-6.50) ties his personal best, which the Phoenix-native set at the Duel in the Desert in 2015.
All in all, a total of five Sun Devils – Ewen, Whiting, McBride, Chris Benard and Shelby Houlihan – have the ability to compete at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London from Aug. 4-13.