Allman becomes first American woman to surpass 70 meters in discus

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Valarie Allman got hold of a big throw in the discus Saturday and sent the implement well past the American record at the Iron Wood Throws Center Invite in Idaho.

Allman's world-leading distance of 230 feet, 2 inches (70.15m) was reported via her coach, Zeb Sion, on Twitter.

Allman, seventh at the World Athletics Championships last October, improved her own lifetime best by three meters. She became the first athlete to surpass 70 meters since Sandra Perkovic of Croatia produced a throw of 234-2 (71.38m) at the Doha Diamond League event in May 2018.

Her mark surpassed the American record of Gia Lewis-Smallwood, who threw 226-11 (69.17m) at the 2014 DecaNation meet in France. Suzy Powell was credited with 227-9 (69.44m) in 2002, but the mark was not accepted for a record because it was set on a field that sloped downhill. 

Allman's big throw came on her first attempt with flawless execution and towering flight. The mark was measured at 230 feet (70.11m) with a laser, but a re-measure with a steel tape came out to 70.15m. 

Allman fouled on her second and third tries. She threw 216-1 (65.86m) in the fourth round and 216-7 (66.03m) in the fifth. Her final throw was 203-8 (62.09m).