It just keeps getting better and better for 21-year old Chris Hill from Sulphur.
Just two weeks removed from winning his second consecutive NCAA Track and Field javelin championship, Hill put together one of the best performances in the world this year to win the 2009 USA OUtdoor Track and Field Championships javelin title held at the University of Oregon on Thursday.
After his first throw of 76.95 meters went well below his personal best of 81.80m, Hill then uncorked a throw of 83.87m (275-02) to win the competition. That throw was the seventh best in the world for 2009 and the best by an American this year. It was also the sixth best throw by an American ever.
Hill then threw 82.36m on his third attempt and passed on all three of his throws in the finals having distanced himself from the rest of the field. Mike Hazle took second with a throw of 82.06m (269-03).
The University of Georgia junior also broke the school record, which he set at the NCAA Championships on June 12th.
Hill has now qualified for the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany, on Aug. 15-23.
It was also the final competition for Hill representing the University of Georgia. Hill will be headed to Europe starting this weekend to start throwing on the professional track and field circuit. He will finish his college education at McNeese State University were he threw for one season before transferring to Georgia.
Eugene, Oregon —
