May 22, 2003

COLUMBIA, MO. - University of Missouri senior track and field All-American Christian Cantwell will compete in the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday. The meet is named after legendary American distance runner Steve Prefontaine. To be invited to this meet an athlete must be ranked in the Top 50 in the world in an event. Cantwell is coming off a Big 12 shot put title at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships.

Cantwell is a six-time All-American and, in addition to winning the Big 12 outdoor shot put title, won the indoor Big 12 weight throw championship. Misssouri assistant track coach Brett Halter said, "This is a great opportunity and honor for Christian. He will be the only collegian in the competition against the best professionals in the World. He is continuing to train hard as he prepares for the NCAA and USA Championships in mid June. The Pre Classic will be an excellent competitive tune up for June."

Cantwell will be competing against some of the best throwers in the world including American champions Kevin Toth and John Godina. Toth has thrown over 70 feet in each of the last ten years and threw 74 feet, 4.5 inches at the Kansas Relays this year. Godina is a multiple Olympian, an Olympic medalist and the reigning world champion in the shot put. Halter said, "Christian has faced these throwers at various venues over the past several years. John Godina and Kevin Toth have been perennial powers in the shot put over the last decade. Both are tremendous competitors and people. I know Christian is excited about the challenge these guys present. In the sport of track and field the Prefontaine Meet is one of the premier events in the world each year. As a competitor, Christian always wants to face the best - this is absolutely the kind of meet Christian wants to be in every weekend."

Cantwell will compete with Missouri at the NCAA Central Region Championships in Columbus, Ohio at Ohio State University May 30-31.