Kovacs' big shot earns him USATF Athlete of the Week honors

INDIANAPOLIS — Blasting a world-leading throw in the men's shot put at the Prefontaine Classic, Joe Kovacs (Dublin, OH/USATF New York) earned recognition as the 20th USATF Athlete of the Week award winner for 2024.

The two-time world champion and twice an Olympic silver medalist, Kovacs dominated the event in Eugene with two throws beyond the 23-meter mark, topped by a 23.13/75-10.75 that was the ninth-best effort in world and American history.

Kovacs opened with a 22.46/73-8.25 before a 23.03/75-6.75 in the next round put the victory firmly in his grasp and took over the world lead from Italy's Leonardo Fabbri. He produced three more efforts beyond 73 feet before his winning toss in the sixth round, adding to the world lead he established in round two.
 
Other top performances from last week:

• Sha'Carri Richardson won the women's 100 at the Pre Classic by .1 seconds in 10.83, beating a field that included Olympic champion Elain Thompson-Herah of Jamaica.
• Grant Holloway won the men's 110 hurdles at the Pre Classic by .1 seconds in a world-leading 13.03.
• Elle St. Pierre moved to No. 2 on the all-time U.S. women's 1500 list with her 3:56.00 to place third at the Pre Classic.
• Jordan Davis of Southern Connecticut won the NCAA Division II men's javelin with a throw of 84.45/277-0 that was the farthest ever by an American collegian. His mark makes him the No. 6 all-time U.S. performer.
• Valarie Allman won the women's discus at the Pre Classic with a final round throw of 67.36/221-0.

Now in its 23rd year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week when there are high-level competitions and features the athlete on USATF.org. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week. 

2024 Winners: January 17, Weini Kelati; January 24, Cooper Teare; January 31, Nico Young; February 7, Fiona O'Keeffe; February 14, Elle St. Pierre; February 21, Grant Holloway; February 28, Jalani Davis; March 6, Elle St. Pierre; March 13, Rachel Glenn; March 20, Grant Fisher; March 27, Myrle Mensey; April 3, Jordan Davis; April 10, Hillary Bor; April 17, Jacious Sears; April 24, Christian Miller; May 1, Payton Otterdahl; May 8, Gabby Thomas; May 15, Ja'Kobe Tharp; May 22, Rai Benjamin; May 29, Joe Kovacs.

We welcome your nominations!

To nominate an athlete for USATF Athlete of the Week, please send a detailed email about their performance to communications@usatf.org.

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