Conor McCullough of the USA (© Kirby Lee)
Conor McCullough doesn’t have to look far for role models in the Hammer Throw.
The US junior thrower’s father was a two-time Olympian in the event and 1956 Olympic gold medalist Harold Connelly is a mentor. For his age, McCullough has thrown further than both.
McCullough, 16, holds US high school freshman and sophomore class records with the 5kg implement. And only two throwers in US high school history regardless of grade have thrown further than McCullough, who will compete in the IAAF World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic on 11-15 July.
International debut in Ostrava
The World Youth Championships will be the first international competition for the 1.94m and 88 kg McCullough, who ranks fourth on the yearly World youth performer list behind Andriy Martynyuk of the Ukraine (78.43m), Richard Olbrich of Germany (77.96) and Cuba’s Reinier Mejias (75.32).
“I am hoping that I can be competitive and in the mix,” McCullough said. “It’s definitely a goal to go there and medal. It’s an interesting experience meeting competitors from all over the United States and the World.’’
Competing against throwers his age will also be a new experience for McCullough, a student at Chaminade High in the Los Angeles suburb of West Hills.
McCullough often throws against older athletes in the US because the hammer is not a sanctioned high school event in California and is an official state championship only in Rhode Island
In April, McCullough set his national sophomore record and career-best of 74.42m throwing the 5kg implement against collegiate and open competitors in the Mt. San Antonio College Relays.
“I’ve thrown against the best in the World at Mt. SAC,” McCullough said. “Throwing against peers is easy and relaxing.’’
Athletic Background
McCullough’s father, also named Conor, was coached by Connolly and represented his native Ireland in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. His mother Lisa was a hepathlete at Boston University. Conor began throwing while tagging along to practices as a youngster.
Conor’s father has been his coach throughout his career. Father and son have struck a balance between athletics and family life.
The elder McCullough has laid out a methodical plan for his son based on developing a high degree of athleticism, building a solid foundation, and working toward progressive technical development.
“I’m comfortable because he’s experienced,” McCullough said about his father. “When he coaches things make sense on why you are doing it.’’
Steady Progression
McCullough threw 64.92m as a freshman to break US record holder Walter Henning’s ninth-grade mark of 59.05m set two years ago. This season, McCullough broke Henning’s sophomore record 69.03m.
McCullough is aiming for Henning’s junior record of 76.96m and senior and all-time U.S. record of 78.00m in the next two seasons.
McCullough and Henning threw against each other for the first time in the Nike Outdoor Nationals with the North Carolina-bound Henning coming out of top. After the competition, Henning called McCullough the heir-apparent to his records.
“(Henning) has set some great records and it’s definitely given me something to go after,” McCullough said.
Statistician Bob Gourley, publisher of hshammer.com, anticipates that McCullough will have all of the US high school Hammer records by the time before his high school career is through.
“I think he has the potential to break the national record and will,” Gourley said. “Comparing Conor to Walter Henning age/class wise is like comparing apples to apples. They are the future of American hammer throwing.’’
Kirby Lee for the IAAF
