Rutger Smith of the Netherlands (© Getty Images)
The Nellie Cooman Games, an international Shot Put Gala, took place yesterday in this small Dutch town, and witnessed the European Indoor silver medallist Rutger Smith of the Netherlands blast out a new 21.41m national mark, an improvement by 41cm on his old record.
The meeting which was organised by the former two-time World and six-time European 60m indoor champion Nellie Cooman, also featured a women’s Shot Put competition.
In the men’s division, Smith was up against Joachim Olsen of Denmark, who is the IAAF World Ranked number one, Olympic bronze medallist, and the European Indoor champion.
Both star names produced their fireworks in round four. Smith's attempt landed at 21.41m - 4th on the 2005 world list - while Olsen's top mark in the same round was 21.24m. The Dane also had another two efforts over 21 metres.
In the women's competition, the Netherlands’ Lieja Tunks-Koeman produced a 18.59m effort (season's best), beating former Olympic and multiple-World champion Astrid Kumbernuss. The German’s best was Kumbernuss's best was 17.92m.
There were around 2000 spectators enjoying the Shot Put Gala.
Series -
Rutger Smith NED 20.55 20.58 20.83 21.41 20.60 20.26
Joachim Olson DEN 19.77 21.11 xxxxx 21.24 21.13 20.89
