News18 Apr 2009


Cantwell dominates, PB for Hinrichs on Gorée Island – IAAF World Athletics Tour

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Christian Cantwell dominates with a 21.53m toss on Goree Island (© Mark Ouma)

Christian Cantwell claimed a world leader and Germany’s Denise Heinrichs achieved a life time at the Shot Put competition on scenic Gorée Island near Dakar, Senegal on Friday (17).

The Shot Put competition on Gorée traditionally precedes the main programme of the Meeting International d'Athletisme de la Ville de Dakar, an IAAF World Athletics Tour meeting, which takes place in the Senegalese capital today (18).

Cantwell dominates with 21.53m world leader

The men’s contest was always going to be a thriller from the onset with World Champion Ressa Hoffa of the USA  took the lead in the first round with a 19.60m toss, ahead of Jamaican defending champion Dorian Scott (19.44m).

Cantwell, the reigning World champion indoors was third after the first round (19.25.). However unlike his opponents, Cantwell improved with each effort. He posted efforts of 20.66, 20.91, 21.28, 21.38 before his final round 21.53m. Hoffa (19.97), fellow America Russell Winger (19.85) and Scott (19.65) followed.

“I felt great with each throw and I am sure there was much more on the table,” Cantwell said. “With a polished up technique, I aim to better my personal best of 22.54m and finish in the top three at the US Championships. It is only then that I will set my sights on big things at the World championships.”

Hinrichs improves to 19.19m - women’s Shot Put

Hinrichs took the battle to fellow German and defending champion Nadine Kleinert. Her opening throw measured 18.92m to Kleinert’s 18.42m. Hinrichs progressed to 19.05m, before establishing an outdoor lifetime best of 19.19m.

Kleinert fought back in the second half of the contest but a fourth round effort of 18.82m was her best. She graciously conceded defeat to her compatriot. Kleinert was followed by Romanian Anca Heltne (18.26m), then Trinidad and Tobago’s Cleopatra Borel (18.14m).

“It fills me with joy winning my first competition on African soil with a career best performance,” Hinrichs admits. “I did not expect this after I had little time to rest following a long flight from Germany. But the crowd, especially the young children on Gorée Island are wonderful. They cheered every athlete regardless of which country they come from. That lifted my spirit and did the trick for me.”

Clearly the 22-year-old police woman from Bochum in the western part of Germany is enjoying a rich vein of form this year. Last month she clinched a silver medal with a 19.63m indoor lifetime best at the European Indoor Championships in Turin, Italy.

“I am delighted to have achieved my personal best both indoor and outdoor early in the year. But even these performances which would have guaranteed one a place to the upcoming World Championships in another country is not the case with us in Germany,” Heinrich noted.

“We have four very good shot put throwers and there are only three spots available. My aim is to do everything in my power to make the German team and reach the final at the World Championships in Berlin.”

Senegal’s vibrant passion for athletes looks safe as some of the youngest fans got a feel of the implements used in the Shot Put contest. Borel and Jessica Cerival of France were on hand to welcome the more enthusiastic addition to Senegal’s growing fan base.

Mark Ouma for the IAAF

Results -

MEN -
1. Christian Cantwell (USA) 21.53
2. Michael Ressa Hoffa (USA) 19.97
3. Russell Winger (USA) 19.85
4. Dorian Scott (Jamaica) 19.65
5. Milan Haborak (Slovakia) 19.29
6. Garret Johnson (USA) 19.04
7. Maris Urtans 18.66

WOMEN -
1. Denise Hinrichs (Germany) 19.19 PB
2. Nadine Kleinert (Germany) 18.82
3. Anca Heltne (Romania) 18.26
4. Cleopatra Borel (Trinidad and Tobago) 18.14
5. Anita Marton (Hungary)16.75
6. Josephine Terlecki (Germany)
7. Kristin Heaston (USA) 16.63
8. Magdalena Sobieszek (Poland) 16.58
9. Jessica Cerival (France) 15.71

 

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