Oct. 2, 2003

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Recent University of Missouri graduate Christian Cantwell (Eldon, Mo.) is featured in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated in its Faces in the Crowd section. Cantwell won the shot put gold medal and the $30,000 first prize at the International Amateur Athletic Federation's World Final in Monte Carlo in September with a throw of 68' 8".

Cantwell was runner-up at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and fifth in the USA Track and Field Championships in the shot put event in June to finish off his senior season with Mizzou. During the summer, Cantwell traveled to Europe and performed on the IAAF Grand Prix circuit and earned enough points to qualify for the World Athletics Final. He entered the event as the No. 7 shot putter in the world and, with the win, jumped to fourth in the world rankings.

"Christian this summer has proven he is ready for the next step," said Brett Halter, assistant Missouri Track and Field Coach. "During the summer his focus was on becoming one of the top eight in the world, qualify for the World Athletics Final, and prepare himself for the upcoming season of international competition."

The next step for Cantwell consists of near-non-stop training for the next 10 months to train for the Indoor World Championships in March. Cantwell will then prep for the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials to be held in June for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

For continuing coverage of the Missouri Track and Field teams and former Tigers' continuing achievements, check in with Mizzou's official website www.mutigers.com.