Posted: July 7, 2004

Athletics: World’s top shot putters to appear at Olympic Trials press conference on Thursday, July 8

The world’s top four shot putters in 2004 – Christian Cantwell, John Godina, Adam Nelson and Reese Hoffa – will appear at a USA Track & Field press conference in advance of the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento, Calif. The press conference will be held in the Edgewater Ballroom A at the hotel, located at 500 Leisure Lane in Sacramento.

The four men have combined to post the top 12 throws in the world this year, and 16 of the top 18 throws. The world indoor champion, Cantwell has the world’s top four marks outdoors in 2004, with a best of 22.54m/73-11.5, and is undefeated in his last 14 competitions. A three-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist (bronze in 2000, silver in 1996), Godina is the world’s #2 thrower this year with a best of 21.71m/71-2.75. The defending Olympic Trials champion, Olympic silver medalist and two-time world championships silver medalist, Nelson is #3 in the world with his21.68m/71-1.5. Reese Hoffa is the world indoor silver medalist and has a season and personal best of 21.67m/71-1.25, making him #4 in the world.

The magnificent four will compete on Saturday, July 10, for just three spots on the U.S. Olympic Team.  

Career Highlights

Christian Cantwell: 2004 World Indoor champion; 2004 U.S. indoor champion; 2003 World Athletics Final champion; 2003 NCAA runner-up; 2002 U.S. indoor runner-up

John Godina: 3-time World Outdoor SP champion (’95, ’97, ’01); 2001 World Indoor SP Gold Medalist; 1996 Olympic SP silver medalist (SP); 2000 Olympic bronze medalist; 1999, 2003 World Indoor SP silver medalist; ’97 World Indoor SP bronze medalist; 3-time U.S. Outdoor SP champion (‘98, ’99, ‘01); 2-time U.S. discus champion (’97, ’98); 5-time NCAA champion; 2-time Jesse Owens Award winner

Adam Nelson: 2000 Olympic silver medalist; 2000 Olympic Trials champion; 2003, 2001 World Outdoor silver medalist; 2001 Indoor silver medalist; 2-time USA Outdoor champion (2000-’02); 3-time USA Indoor champion (2001-’02); 2001 Goodwill Games gold medalist; 1997 NCAA champ; 1994 World Junior gold medalist

Reese Hoffa: 2004 World Indoors silver medalist; 2003 Pan Am Games gold medalist; 2nd at 2004 USA Indoors; 3rd at 2003 USA Outdoors; 3rd at 2001 NCAA Championships; 2001 SEC Champ