Tom Walsh Records Biggest Shot Put in 15 Years

By Adam Kopet

New Zealand's Tom Walsh had a big day Sunday at the Sir Graeme Douglas International Track and Field Challenge in Auckland, according to Athletics New Zealand. He won the shot put with a world leading 74-4.50 (22.67m).

Walsh's big mark came on his second attempt. The put equaled the ninth-best performance ever and ranks him sixth on the all-time performer list.

It was the best performance since 2003 when American Kevin Toth earned an identical mark at the Kansas Relays.

Prior to Walsh's performance, Ryan Crouser held the top mark in that span with his 2016 Olympic record 74-3.75 (22.65m) set in Rio.

Finishing second in the competition was American Ryan Whiting. His best attempt was 68-10.50 (20.99m).

In the women's shot put, Valerie Adams of New Zealand won in a close battle with Canadian Brittany Crew. Both women finished with identical best marks of 60-7.75 (18.48m), but Adams took the victory with a superior second mark.

Adams is coming off an 18-month break from competition. She gave birth to her daughter five months ago.