Winkler Launches The Second-Farthest Mark In The U.S. This Year

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

John Nepolitan photos

Rudy Winkler nearly duplicated his 2022 victory in the weight throw, coming within five centimeters of his lifetime best in the indoor variation of the hammer. 

The two-time Olympian threw 78 feet 10.50 inches (24.04m) for his third Millrose Games title. He threw 79-0.50 (24.09m) to win last year's event. 

The Thursday night portion of the 115th Millrose Games included four weight throw competitions and also the junior girls pole vault.

Prior to the competition, some of the professional athletes took part in a youth clinic that was also attended by Olympic legend and New York City resident Bob Beamon and renowned coach Bobby Kersee. 

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Ludith Campos from the University of Albany won the women's weight throw with a fifth-round mark of 66-9.25 (20.35m) that took her from third place to first. Defending champion Erica Belvit was second, by just three centimeters 66-8 (20.32m).

Julian Leahy of Lincoln RI won the junior girls weight throw with 51-6.25 (15.90m). She had four fair throws, all of them long enough to win the competition. 

Christian Toro, also from Lincoln RI, won the boys weight throw 74-2.50 (22.62m), which came on his third attempt. Keith Daigneau from Warwick RI finished second and also had his best throw of 72-9 (22.17m) on his third attempt.

Veronica Vacca from Mt. St. Joseph's in Pennsylvania won the pole vault with her clearance at 13-5 (4.10m), which was a season's best. Katie Urbine of Salanco PA jumped 13-1.50 (4.00m) for second place.