March 9, 2004
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced yesterday their official world rankings in each of the world's track and field events. Missouri Tiger post-collegian and track and field staff member, Christian Cantwell is listed number one on the latest men's shot put world rankings. The Eldon, Mo., resident jumped from fourth to first after winning the IAAF World Indoor title this past weekend in the event.
Cantwell took the world title Sunday in Budapest, Hungary, after putting the shot 70 feet, 6? inches (21.49m). American teammate, Reese Hoffa took second to Cantwell, upping his world standing from tenth to eighth. The United States now has four of the top ten and six of the top twenty throwers in the world. Cantwell is also the youngest thrower in the top ten.
The seven-time all-American and six-time Big 12 Champion, Cantwell will now concentrate his training to the outdoor venues, training ultimately for July's USATF Olympic Trials to be held in Sacramento, Calif.
The IAAF uses a point-based system to determine world rankings. Weight is given to meets based on their competition field and their meaning on the world stage. Cantwell's win in the World Indoor Championships is worth more points, for example, than his title earned in February's Missouri All-Comers meet.
For more information and a complete list of world rankings, and an understanding of world rankings visit iaaf.org and mutigers.com.