June 8, 2004

Related Story: Cantwell Named USAToday.com's Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS - Tiger post-collegian Christian Cantwell has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after throwing a 2004 world-leading mark and personal best in the Portland Tribune Men's shot put Saturday at the adidas Oregon Track Classic.

The 2004 World Indoor shot put champion, Cantwell extended his winning streak to 12 meets and set a meet-record with a mark of 22.54 meters/73 feet, 11.50 inches. Cantwell bettered the previous meet record of 22.51m/73-10.75 set in 2002 by Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson, who placed second on Saturday (21.68m/71-1.50). Three-time world champion John Godina was third (21.67m/71-1.25).

At the Home Depot Invitational May 22, Cantwell posted the previous 2004 world-leader with a throw of 22.35 m/73-4.

Cantwell's throw of 73-11? places him fourth all-time on the American list and eighth all-time in the world.

Cantwell is scheduled next to appear at the USOC's Titan Games in Atlanta, Ga., on June 18th. On the following day, Cantwell is expected to compete in the Nike Prefontaine Classic in Portland, Ore.

Now in its fourth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2004 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 13, Dan Taylor; January 20, Jen Toomey; January 27, Erin Gilreath; February 3, Jearl Miles-Clark; February 10, Alan Culpepper; February 17, Curt Clausen; February 24, Jen Toomey; March 2, Gail Devers; March 9, Allen Johnson; March 16, Sanya Richards; March 23, Phillip Dunn; March 30, Max Springer; April 6, Colleen De Reuck; April 13, Erin Gilreath; April 20, Maurice Greene; May 4, Tonette Dyer; May 11, Toby Stevenson; May 18, Sheena Johnson; May 25, Tim Seaman; June 1, Maurice Greene; June 8, Christian Cantwell.