Chari Hawkins, a former Utah State track & field athlete, secured a remarkable second place in the heptathlon event with a personal best score of 6,456 points, clinching one of the coveted spots for the Paris Olympics representing the United States. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Utah State, with Hawkins being the first Aggie to qualify for the Olympics since James Parker in 2004.
Artie Gulden, the director of track & field and cross country at USU, expressed pride in Hawkins’ accomplishment, highlighting the distinct level and magnitude of competing in the Olympics. The entire program at Utah State is thrilled to see Hawkins embarking on her Olympic journey and extends their best wishes for her success in Paris, with Aggie nation rallying behind her.
Hawkins’ inclusion in the Paris Games is assured based on her current standing in the World Athletics rankings. The final selection process for the competition involves the top three performers from each country who meet the Olympic standard of 6,480 points in the heptathlon, followed by additional athletes based on rankings until 24 spots are filled.
Hawkins’ stellar performance at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, featuring four top-three finishes, solidified her qualification. Setting personal records in both shot put, with a distance of 14.67 meters (48-1.75), and javelin, with a throw of 49.28 meters (161-8) secured her second place in these events. Additionally, she achieved second place in the high jump, clearing 1.79 meters (5-10.5), and third place in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.11 seconds. Her heptathlon culminated with a personal best time of 2:14.76 in the 800 meters, earning her the silver medal.
The upcoming Paris 2024 heptathlon event is scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday, August 8-9, at the Stade de France. Viewers in the United States can catch the Olympic coverage on NBC, USA, and Peacock. Fans can stay updated with the Utah State track & field programs on Twitter (@USUTF_XC), Facebook (USUTrack), and Instagram (@USUTF_XC), as well as follow Utah State Athletics on Twitter (@USUAthletics) and Facebook (Utah State University Athletics).
Heptathlon Results from the U.S. Olympic Team Trials:
Final Standings: 2nd place – Chari Hawkins, 6,456 points.
100-Meter Hurdles: 3rd place – Chari Hawkins, time: 13.11.
High Jump: 2nd place – Chari Hawkins, height: 1.79 meters (5-10.5) Season Best (SB).
Shot Put: 2nd place – Chari Hawkins, distance: 14.67 meters (48-1.75) Personal Best (PB).
200 Meters: 10th place – Chari Hawkins, time: 24.21.
Long Jump: 11th place – Chari Hawkins, distance: 5.97 meters (19-7).
Javelin: 2nd place - Chari Hawkins, distance: 49.28 meters (161-8) Personal Best (PB).
800 Meters: 7th place – Chari Hawkins, time: 2:14.76 Personal Best (PB).
-USU-
Author : usa-news
Publish date : 2024-06-25 09:41:48
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