Jan. 6, 2011

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Former Tiger shot putter Christian Cantwell has been voted by Track & Field News as the world's No. 3 male athlete this season, as announced by the publication last week. Cantwell finished third in the voting behind David Rushida and David Oliver, but the third-place finish in the voting is the best for a shot putter since Randy Matson took home top honors in 1970. Cantwell was also voted as the world's top shot putter.

In 2010, Cantwell threw three of his all-time top seven marks, which were also the top three marks by any shot putter last season. His top throw of 22.41m (73-6 ¼) came at the Prefontaine Classic on July 3 and ranked as his third-best throw ever. It was also the best in the world last season.

Cantwell posted 17 of the world's top 40 marks this season, 11 of which ranked among the world's top 18 throws. He eclipsed 21.00m (69-0) in 14 of his 15 meets during the season and has done so in more than 80 meets during his career, showing a mark of consistency that had not previously been seen in the event. Cantwell also claimed the Samsung Diamond Series title in 2010 as well.

Despite his success in 2010, Cantwell did see his 20-meet win streak come to an end after placing third at the Crystal Palace Meet in London. But despite not finishing first, Cantwell's 20 straight wins are as impressive as any feat ever accomplished in the event as the argument could be made that Cantwell is one of the best - if not the best - shot putter of all time, when taking into account the longevity of his career and his consistent, high-level performance.

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