Spring Break
Georgia's Hill wins at USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
Issue date: 6/26/09 Section: Sports
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Hill's top throw of 275 feet, 2 inches was just two inches shy of breaking his own school record (268-4) by seven feet. The Sulphur, La., native has now clinched his spot in the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany, on Aug. 15-23.
"Chris did a great job tonight and showed the nation what type of competitor he is," said Georgia throws coach Don Babbitt. "This is the first time someone passed him at a meet this year and those are truly the situations that Chris thrives in. I saw Chris go and shake hands with (Mike Hazel) after the meet and I'm betting he was thanking Mike for pushing him like he did today."
Throwing eighth in the second of two flights, Hill opened with an effort of 252-5 after Mike Hazel (Nike) had launched his opening attempt 269-3 to set the tone of the competition. Hill then bounced back on his second throw with a mark of 275-2, which would be considered an American collegiate record.
Hill's third throw traveled 270-2 before he passed on his final three attempts. Meanwhile, Hazel, whose opening throw was the second best in his career, had four fouls during his final five throws to help Hill clinch his title.
Hill now has the longest throw by an American this year and is No. 7 on the world's performance list.
This was the finale to a phenomenal junior year for Hill. After winning his first Southeastern Conference championship, Hill went on to cruise to his second NCAA East Regional title with a meet and facility record performance.
- Georgia Sports Communications
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