Cantwell Wins at IAAF World Atheltics Final
12/2/2003 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
Sept. 13, 2003
MONTE CARLO, Monaco - Former Tiger Christian Cantwell won the third shot put title of his first summer in international competition at the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Grand Prix Final in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Saturday. Cantwell, a native of Eldon, Mo., beat out the top six in the world including a silver medalist from the 2000 Olympics.
The IAAF World Grand Prix Final is an event that invites the best top eight throwers in the world. Entering the meet ranked seventh in the world, Cantwell knew his work was cut out for him.
"The field was as good as it gets," said Brett Halter, Missouri assistant track and field coach who traveled to Monaco. "Beating the top six in the world is really an awesome feat."
The field included silver medalist of the 2000 Olympics, American Adam Nelson and the top five from the 2003 World Championships in Paris. Cantwell did not reach this year's world championships because he did not finish in the top three in the U.S. Track and Field Championships in June.
"Christian said to himself 'I didn't make the world championships, but the next goal and focus was to make it to the grand prix final and make it up to the top eight in the world, and continue to prepare myself in the best way for a spot on the 2004 Olympic team,'" Halter added.
Cantwell opened the competition with a throw of 67 feet, 1 inch (20.45 meters).
"With his opening throw, Christian set a tone, and when he came with his second throw, everybody had to try to chase," Halter said.
Cantwell's second throw was 68 feet, 8 inches (20.93 meters). No one was able to come close on their final two throws and Cantwell was named IAAF Grand Prix Champion.
"It's really a good feeling to win the meet," said Cantwell. "I would have liked to have thrown better, but the first meet after you travel is always difficult. But, of course the priority is to win the meet and throw far second. It was a good ending to a real long season."
"I was impressed with the length of the season," Halter said. "To continue to compete like crazy through week 58 of workouts and do your best to maintain your focus throughout is amazing. He really prepared himself for the year ahead and is really looking forward to the next step."
The next step for Cantwell starts soon.
"I start working out again on Tuesday, doing more lifting and workouts, before I was just throwing a lot and not doing so much lifting, but when I get back it's time to prepare for the indoor season."
