RabatDL: Richards second in national shot put record
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s O’Dayne Richards broke his own national shot put record with a massive throw of 21.96m at the Rabat Diamond League a short while ago.
Richards, who historically won bronze at the 2015 World Championship in Beijing and was eighth at the Rio Olympic last year, finished second and erased his previous record of 21.69m he achieved twice.
American and world leader Ryan Crouser won with a 22.47m and continued his remarkable feat of throwing over 22m. In fact he had three throws over 22 in 22.21m, 22.44 and 22.47m. Richards started with 20.88, fouled on his second before taking Jamaica’s national record closer to the 22m mark with 21.96m.
He was quite pleased with his performance.
“I am very happy for this National Record, it is a good start. I am aiming to improve my performance and I am looking forward to the World Championship to win the golden medal,” he said.
Ryan Whiting of the US was third with 21.26m and Kondrad Bukowiewcki of Poland fourth with 21.12m.
Crouser continued to lead the Diamond League standing with 24 points ahead of Bukowiewcki on 10 in third spot. Jamaica’s Richards is sixth on seven points.
Howard Walker
