‘Thrilled’ Walsh wins with huge throw
Tom Walsh has won the men’s shot put at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne.
Walsh started with two nothrows, but found his groove as the competition progressed, throwing 21.92m with his fifth heave to take the competition lead.
He ended up taking the title by a massive 54cm ahead of Brazilian Darlan Romani. Poland’s Michal Haratyk was third with a throw of 21.21m.
After his first two no-throws, Walsh put out an effort of 20.73m, before going ever so slightly better with his fourth effort.
Then came his huge 21.92m hurl, which was still 75cm short of his season best on March 25.
‘‘I didn’t start the competition well and was disappointed with my foul on the second throw.
‘‘This gave me an opportunity to test myself under pressure and it was more enjoyable. Quite happy with my 21.92m as I arrived from New Zealand on Monday with a lot of travelling.’’
Walsh said he was thrilled with how his season was progressing.
‘‘I’ve won the world indoors, the Commonwealth Games and my final objective is to win the Diamond League.’’
New Zealand pole vaulter Eliza McCartney failed to get past 4.82m in Lausanne, falling outside the podium places.
McCartney went into the event in career best form, having recently soared past 4.92m, the second best vault in the world this year.
But in Switzerland she failed to get past 4.82m, despite easily passing the previous two heights.
Only three athletes got past 4.82m, meaning McCartney finished in a tie for fourth.