Wow! What a day it was for Team USA on the fifth day of the World Junior T&F Championships. Leading the way on Saturday was Conor McCullough (CA), earning silver in the men's hammer throw. The California junior threw a best of 248-11.50. McCullough's performance led a total medal count of five on the day for the US squad, including four gold. Other top prep performers were Laurynne Chetelat (CA) in the women's 3k, Ryann Krais (PA) in the women's heptathlon and Booker Nunley (NC) in the men's 110m hurdles. See what else took place on the second to last day.
World Junior Champs. Coverage - Day 5 (Sat.)
Jim Spier Blog (NSSF) / Joy Kamani Photo Gallery (NSSF)
Official Website / Day Five Results
Men's Hammer Throw Final
What a week it's been for Conor McCullough (Carondelet, CA). After the first round of the men's hammer throw Friday, McCullough was in contention to finish in the top three and bring home his first international medal. However, the California junior finished better than expected and finished second overall in the event behind fellow American Walter Henning.
McCullough threw a fantastic series, with all four of his final throws going over 241-00. McCullough's mark is also a new U.S. high school record in the event for the specific weight of the hammer instrument, which is a bit heavier internationally than the standard American one. McCullough's best throw of the day came on his third toss, reaching 248-11.50.
Women's Heptathlon Final
While she may have missed the U.S. high school record in the heptathlon, Ryann Krais (Methacton, PA) finished up her amazing season with a ninth place finish. Krais used a strong combination of events to keep herself in the top ten, with her final score of 5457 earning her yet another U.S. top five all-time performance, this one ranking her U.S. #5. Earlier in the season at the Great Southwest Classic, Krais finished with the U.S. #2 performance of all-time. What a season it's been for Krais, as now she moves on to a career at UCLA.
Women's 3,000m Run Final
It's rare that an American distance runner finishes in the top six of a World Junior Championships race, but that rarity became actuality Saturday when Laurynne Chetelat (Davis, CA) placed sixth overall in the women's 3,000m run in a great time of 9:15.11. Chetelat ran a solid opening pace, keeping her stride even and finishing strong. The Stanford-bound senior had an excellent year, earning a U.S. top five all-time performance in the 3200m run, and now capping it with a fine performance in Poland.
Men's 110m Hurdle Semi-Final
Heading into Sunday's final in the men's 110m hurdles, Booker Nunley (NC) takes a load of momentum into the final round. On Saturday Nunley placed first in his heat in the semi-finals, cruising to a convincing 13.55 victory and setting himself up as a favorite to medal. It's been a wild ride for Nunley over the past few weeks, showing that his end of season peak has been spot on.
Men's 4x100m Relay Final
As if winning a gold medal in the men's long jump wasn't enough, Marquise Goodwin (Rowlett, TX) added to his trophy collection by taking part as the third leg in Team USA's men's 4x100m relay. Goodwin ran a great leg, working the turn better than anyone else, helping his team take home gold with a 38.98 effort. The squad's mark is the top junior time in the world this season.
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