Impressive opening statement from Kovacs

Olympic silver medalist takes over world lead, elevates to No. 8 all-time performer following personal best at Tucson Elite Classic

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Joe Kovacs opened his series Thursday at the Tucson Elite Classic with the best shot put of his entire career and the top performance in the world this year, breaking the meet record at Roy P. Drachman Stadium with a mark of 74 feet, 0.50 inches (22.57m).

Kovacs, 27, who had an effort of 74-0.25 (22.56m) in 2015, is the No. 4 performer in American history and took over sole possession of eighth all-time in the world. He also broke the meet record of 72-6 (22.10m) held since 2010 by Cory Martin.

Only American Kevin Toth has a better mark than Kovacs – 74-4.50 (22.67m) in 2003 – since the turn of the century.

Kovacs added marks of 72-6 (22.10m) in the second round and 73-0.25 (22.26m) in the fourth round, giving him two efforts ahead of fellow American and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser, who has a season best of 72-8 (22.15m) from February in New Zealand. Kovacs captured the silver medal in Rio de Janeiro after winning World Championship gold in 2015.

American record holder Gia Lewis-Smallwood won the women’s discus with a third-round throw of 206-4.75 (62.91m), making her the No. 3 American and 13th in the world this year. Lewis-Smallwood still holds the meet record 214-10 (65.49m) from 2012.

Canadian Jillian Weir won the women’s hammer with a third-round throw of 237-10.25 (72.50m), improving to No. 7 in the world this year.

American Monique Riddick prevailed in the women’s shot put with a personal-best 60-10.25 (18.55m) in the fifth round, elevating to the No. 3 U.S. performer and seventh in the world this year.

Mexico’s David Ocampo Bravo won the men’s javelin with a personal-best 263-0.50 (80.29m) throw on his final attempt. Ocampo Bravo improved to No. 24 in the world this year.

American Sean Donnelly secured victory in the men’s hammer with a fifth-round throw of 241-5 (73.59m), ascending to the No. 2 U.S. performer and 27th in the world this year.

Canadian Melissa Fraser prevailed in the women’s javelin by throwing 157-11.25 (48.14m).

Turner Washington, a high school senior at Canyon del Oro and University of Arizona signee, improved on his own state record and produced the No. 4 discus mark in U.S. prep history competing unattached with his 227-10 (69.45m) in the final round.