May 18, 2013

Eldon, Mo. native Cantwell falls short of a medal in shot put (update)

Eldon, Mo., native and former Mizzou shot putter Christian Cantwell, got past prelims today in London with a throw just under 67 feet, yet will have to settle for fourth place missing the bronze medal by 1.5 inches.  Cantwell’s best throw was 69 feet, six inches and was one of just two finalists to improve his distance over his final three throws.

His international accomplishments include a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as a World Outdoor championship in 2009. He is also a three-time World Indoor champ in ’04, 08, and ’10.

The top 12 advanced after prelims.

Mizzou’s Cantwell headed back to Olympics

Former Mizzou star Christian Cantwell is headed back to the Olympics after placing third in the shot put at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on Sunday afternoon. The 31 year old Eldon, MO. native took silver in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics.  In Eugene, OR., Cantwell’s throw of 69 feet, 9 3/4 inches finished behind, Reese Hoffa took first place with a throw of 72-2 1/4, and 2012 World Indoor Champion Ryan Whiting, who was second at 71-3/4.

Back in 2008, Cantwell lost to Tomasz Majewski of Poland for the gold medal. The following season Cantwell came back and defeated Majewski at the World Championships in Germany for his first major international championship. Cantwell is a three-time indoor champion and at 31 years old, has this year and possibly 2016 for a shot at Olympic gold.