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American Curtis Jensen Surpasses 70 Feet in Shot Put to Earn Spotlight in BrazilPublished by
Jensen improves to No. 5 in the world this year, elevates into top 25 in American history with win at Grande Premio Brazil de Atletismo By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor Curtis Jensen produced a lifetime-best shot put of 70 feet, 11.75 inches (21.63m) on his final throw Sunday to win at the Grande Premio Brazil de Atletismo held in Braganca Paulista in Sao Paulo. Jensen, who improved to No. 5 in the world this year, surpassed his previous best by more than a foot to elevate into the top 25 performers in American history. He became the 34th U.S. athlete to surpass 70 feet in the shot put, improving from a 69-6 (21.18m) effort in April when he placed third at the Drake Relays. Jensen led a trio of victorious American athletes in the field events, with Chris Carter prevailing in the men’s triple jump with a second-round effort of 55-10.25 (17.02m). Cole Walsh cleared 18-4.50 (5.60m) on his third attempt in the pole vault to win a competition that also included reigning Olympic champion Thiago Braz da Silva finishing third at 17-8.50 (5.40m). Ebony Morrison was the lone American to secure a victory on the track, winning the women’s 100-meter hurdles in 13.41 seconds. Levern Spencer of Saint Lucia edged American Liz Patterson in the women’s high jump by a 6-3.50 (1.92m) to 6-2.75 (1.90m) margin. Brazil’s Marcio Teles won the men’s 400 hurdles in 49.22, with American David Kendziera – competing in his first international race after securing All-America first-team honors in the 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles during his final season at Illinois – placing second in 49.31. Brazil’s Vitoria Rosa won the women’s 100 in 11.14, with American Barbara Pierre taking second in 11.18. Grenada’s Bralon Taplin won the men’s 400 in 44.67, improving to No. 16 in the world this year. More news |