Lights! Barbell! Action!
After nearly a decade away from the competitive weightlifting stage, I am officially stepping onto the platform again on January 12, 2025, at a competition called Bar Wars. The minute I registered for the meet, I immediately felt the rush of nostalgia from the first years of training and competing. Though I have changed quite a bit since the beginning, my love for the platform remains the exact same.
A Look Back at My Weightlifting Roots
For those who may not know, my love for Olympic Weightlifting began when I was 12/13 years old and I started CrossFit around the same time. My first competition was when I was 15, and I remember hitting a new PR (personal record), and then went straight back to basketball practice after. Since then, I was hooked. I shortly joined a barbell club and my typical high school schedule went: school, basketball practice, weights, homework, rinse, and repeat. Although I loved the barbell club I was at, it no longer became feasible once my other sports started ramping up. So, I continued Olympic weightlifting back at my home CrossFit gym all through high school. Though I had to step away from competing due to active participation in NCAA athletics, I was able to continually build upon the foundation I set years prior since a majority of my strength and conditioning program for throwing was Olympic lifting.
Fast forward to today, and I am stepping back on that stage once again! I am so excited to celebrate the years of training and I am hopeful we have a successful meet.
The Road to This Meet
Well before even hearing about this meet, I was already on a path to building and maintaining a solid Olympic lifting foundation for hammer. Over time, I grew stronger and more technically sound by having a majority of my working sets be at lighter weights. I told myself I would not go heavier until I knew even on a low-energy day, I could hit the lighter weights with near-perfect technique. What I am most proud of from this journey is how those “lighter weights” became heavier throughout my progression. On competition day, I am hopeful this progression can lead me to a high weight total (Snatch + Clean & Jerk)!
Choosing the Right Singlet
If registering for the meet brought such a wave of nostalgia, then trying on my singlet for the first time was a tsunami! The singlet I will be competing in is the FLEO Singlet (https://www.fleo.com/products/fleo-singlet-black-neon-green), and to be honest, I chose this one because the neon in my singlet is similar to my neon knee wraps! In all seriousness, I have followed FLEO for quite a while and I knew their singlets were designed with the female athlete in mind. All in all, I’m a huge fan of FLEO so ordering a new singlet from them was a no-brainer!
My Goals for This Meet
After nine years away, this meet is about more than just the numbers on the barbell. I know a handful of athletes from NCFIT who are competing at this meet and I will be playing a “coach” role for one of them competing the day before me. What I love so much about Olympic Weightlifting is the community. Everyone cheers for everyone! I am excited to hit big numbers, hang out with some really strong people, and make a party out of it!
Coming Up Next..
In the next BTS post, I’m doing a post-meet recap and talking about my transition into the 2025 Track and Field Competition season. Fingers crossed, all goes well at this meet!
Throwing it Far,
SGB
Who Said the Throws Events Were Not TV-Friendly? A Response to the Events Lineup for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship 2026
Seriously, Who Decided Throws Aren’t TV-Friendly?!
When World Athletics unveiled the events list for the inaugural Ultimate Championship in late November, I was shocked—and frankly outraged—for my fellow competitors in the professional track and field space. How is it that events like shot put, discus, and women’s hammer throw didn’t make the cut? With a whopping $150,000 first-place prize on the line, these world-class athletes won’t even have the chance to compete for it.
The rationale? World Athletics wants to deliver a “made-for-television” experience by prioritizing fast-paced events. I get it—the goal is to capture the attention of new viewers, but let’s not pretend that throws aren’t captivating! After the stellar performances from athletes like Ryan Crouser, Valarie Allman, and Camryn Rogers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the throws are more popular than ever. Cutting them from this showcase feels like a massive missed opportunity.
A Few Key Solutions That Were Overlooked
A Dedicated Throws Livestream
Imagine this: a separate live stream just for throwing events. Thousands of fans would tune in—fans who, let’s be real, feel underserved by the current broadcast trends. Platforms like Peacock proved during the Paris Olympics that this kind of specialized coverage works. Why not replicate that success?Social Media as a Megaphone for Throws
Social media platforms have been instrumental in boosting track and field’s visibility. World Championships and Olympic Games have consistently highlighted throws in their digital coverage. So, why not now? If I were running the social accounts for Team USA or World Athletics, I’d be cranking out highlight reels, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes looks at the throwers. It’s a proven formula to grow engagement.Reconsidering Timing Excuses
Yes, throws take time—but no more than events with semifinals and finals. If timing is such a concern, why not stagger coverage like we saw at the Olympics? Give the fans who care about throws a space to follow their favorite athletes while still keeping the main broadcast streamlined.NBC, do you need a broadcaster to commentate on the throwing events? If so, CALL ME!!
Can This Really Be the “Ultimate Championship”?
Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics, said the event is designed to “…reach the biggest global audience possible.” If that’s true, how do you justify excluding events that feature some of the sport’s biggest stars and most inspiring moments?
Let’s talk consistency—why men’s hammer and not women’s? What was the selection process here? Fans and athletes deserve a clear explanation.
A Final Word
Look, I’m thrilled to see some of the throws included, and I wish the best of luck to every thrower competing. However, can we truly say this is the Ultimate Championship if we know some of the very best in the sport will not even have a chance to compete?
Throwing it Far,
SGB
Oh Off-Season, My Dear Ol’ Friend…
Hello Off-Season.. We meet again! However, we’re changing things up around here - Let’s dive right in.
This year, I wanted to get out of the typical thrower’s routine of throw, lift, rinse, repeat. So I went back to where it all started, Crossfit. Back in May, I joined NCFIT, a renowned CrossFit gym nestled in the heart of the Bay Area. I immediately befriended a lot of people in the classes I joined and it felt nostalgic to come back. I started Crossfit back in 2011 and it played a huge part in my endurance on the basketball court, and my strength in the throws, which then gained me a spot on the OSU Women’s Track and Field team.
Incorporating CrossFit into my training has been a game-changer. The emphasis on functional strength, agility, and conditioning perfectly complemented my hammer throw preparation. Every session from Olympic lifts to high-intensity interval training left me feeling stronger and more explosive, ready to launch that hammer further than ever before.
2024 TYR Wodapalooza - Huntington Beach, California
Next up was the TYR Wodapalooza CrossFit competition, where I teamed up with two fellow athletes for an unforgettable three-person team challenge. Competing against some of the best in the region, our team fought hard, combining strength, strategy, and sheer determination.
We navigated through a series of grueling workouts, each designed to test our limits. The atmosphere was electric, filled with camaraderie and friendly competition. To say we were pumped would be an understatement! Our collective effort led us to an impressive 9th-place finish overall. Not only did we prove our mettle, but we also forged lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons about teamwork and resilience.
Side note, for my OG crossfiters from the 2010/2011 era… Would the names Valarie Vobiril and Sam Dancer ring a bell?! After all these years, I finally got to meet them! They were the kindest individuals and so fun to compete with!
2024 San Francisco Half Marathon.. More like “The San Francisco 8-miles-of-hills half marathon.”
No off-season would be complete without a little bit of distance running! I decided to challenge myself further by participating in the San Francisco Half Marathon. With the picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the crisp morning air, the race was as beautiful as it was daunting.
I set out with a goal in mind: to crush my previous personal record of 2:30. With every mile, I felt the burn, but I also felt the exhilaration of knowing I was capable of more than I believed. As I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:16:31, a new personal record, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Will I run another half-marathon? Maybe go for the full marathon? I’m not sure, but I won’t say never! If anything, I would love to run the London Marathon and/or do the London Hyrox race.
As much as I enjoyed the Off-Season, I’m ready to compete!
This off-season has been a whirlwind of growth, challenge, and triumph. Joining NCFIT, competing at Wodapalooza, and smashing my half marathon time has not only enhanced my fitness but also reignited my passion for the sport.
As I look forward to the upcoming outdoor track and field season, I can’t help but be proud of the work I put in during this off-season. I’m coming out this fitter, stronger, and more confident than ever before. Here’s to breaking that 70m mark this year!
Throwing it Far,
SGB
Recap: U.S Olympic Team Trials - Track and Field
Raise your hand if any of the outcomes of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials were on your 2024 bingo card - Not me!
This year’s Olympic Trials were a rollercoaster of excitement and unpredictability! The Team USA roster was up for grabs, and this year, we saw a wave of fresh talent stepping up to represent the USA in Paris. When I tell you that no one is ever guaranteed a spot on this team, I mean NO ONE! The minute the ring or runway is open, it becomes anyone’s game. Let’s dive right in!
-Hammer Throw-
Did somebody call for an icon? The 2019 World Champion, Deanna Price, qualified for her third Olympic Games in the Women’s Hammer Throw, and I am thrilled! Her third-round throw of 74.52m (244’6”) awarded her second place, only 16cm behind the Olympic Team Trials Champion Annette Echikunwoke with a throw of 74.68m (245’). In third place and claiming the final spot for Team USA is Erin Reese, with a throw of 71.21m (233’7”). This will be Echikunwoke’s and Reese’s first Olympics, and we expect all three to make it to the Olympic finals, according to their personal records.
On the men’s side, we welcome back the 2x World Championship finalist Daniel Haugh and the now 3x Olympian Rudy Winkler! Haugh claims victory at the Olympic Trials with a throw of 79.51m (260’10”), and Winkler places second with a throw of 78.89m (258’10”). In third place is Justin Stafford with a throw of 77.07m (252’10”). Unfortunately, we will not see him at the Paris Olympics due to not reaching the Olympic standard. Regardless, he deserves a huge congratulations for earning the bronze medal, especially with how stacked the competition was.
-Shot Put-
Moving on to Women’s Shot Put, 2x World Champion and American Record holder Chase Jackson claims gold with her fourth-round throw of 20.10m (65’11.5”). What a great time to achieve a new Season’s Best (SB)! A throw over 20m should place her in medal contention, so she will be one to watch at the Games. In second place with a throw of 19.90m (65’3”), is the fan-favorite and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Silver Medalist Raven Saunders! Leading up to the Trials, they made it clear on social media that they were out for blood – nothing less than a ticket to Paris, and that was established in the first round with a 19.88m (65’2.75”) throw. Claiming the final spot is recent University of Oregon graduate Jaida Ross, with a throw of 19.60m (64’3.75”). Before the trials, she won NCAAs and broke her own collegiate record in the shot put, so she was on a great trajectory heading into the trials. Again, another solid group of three joining Team USA – I see some Olympic finalists in the future!
Can we talk about the Men’s Shot Put Finals?! It was a game of 22s! The 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Crouser reigned victorious with a throw of 22.84m (74’11.25”); however, it was not without a fight. By the end of the first round, first and second place were separated by 1cm. Crouser with a throw of 22.44m and Joe Kovacs with a throw of 22.43m. Kovacs, the 2x Olympic Silver Medalist, finishes the Trials with a silver medal with that first-round throw. Rounding out the top three and moving on to the Paris Olympics is 2020 Tokyo Olympian Payton Otterdahl, with a fifth-round throw of 22.26m (73’7.5”). Ultimately, it was an excellent showing for all the competitors, and this was not an easy Trials! To qualify for the 2024 Olympics, it took over 22m, which, compared to around the world, ranks within the top 10!
-Discus-
Rookie Alert! In the Women’s Discus, Jayden Ulrich and Veronica Fraley earned second and third, respectively, and punched their ticket to their first Olympic Games! Ulrich’s best throw was 62.63m (205’5”) and Fraley’s was 62.54m (205’2”). Congratulations ladies!
I think we all know who took first place… I mean… Are you living under a rock?! Valarie Allman is back and better than ever! After earning the silver medal in the 2023 World Championships, she expressed how dominant she wanted to be in 2024, and that’s exactly what she’s done all season long. Her first-round throw of 67.19m (220’5”) already gave her the win, but she was far from done. She completed her series with a final throw of 70.73m (232’0”), which confirms her #1 spot in the World rankings. Valarie is going for gold in this year’s Games, and this performance showed it.
Over on the men’s side, 2016 Rio Olympian Andrew Evans won the Trials with a throw of 66.61m (218’6”) from the third round. In second place, also qualifying for his second Olympic Games, is the 2020 Tokyo Olympian Sam Mattis, with his farthest throw of 66.07m (216’9”) from the first round. Joseph Brown rounds out the competition and earns his ticket to his first Olympic Games. His sixth-round throw of 65.79m (215’10”) earned him third place.
-Javelin Throw-
In the Women’s Javelin, the 2x Olympian Maggie Malone Hardin earns her ticket to her third Olympic Games with not only the win at the Trials, but a new Meet Record! Her first-round throw of 64.58m (211’10”) granted her the win, and no one could catch up to her. She will be the sole competitor representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics. Finishing second is the 4x Olympian Kara Winger with a sixth-round throw of 62.94m (206’6”). Shortly after the Trials, she announced her retirement. Kara has accomplished so much in the sport of javelin, and it was a true honor to watch her compete. All her accolades are well-earned and deserved – Congratulations on a fantastic career, Kara!
Madison Wiltrout finished in third with a second-round throw of 61.17m (200’8”). It was a great competition for Wiltrout; she earned the bronze medal and did it with a new Personal Best (PB)!
Lastly, on the men’s side, the 2020 Tokyo Olympian Curtis Thompson earns his spot on his second Olympic team with the winning throw of 83.04m (272’5”). He will also be the sole competitor representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics. Capers Williamson claims second place with a throw of 79.57m (261’0”)(SB), and Donavon Banks earned third place with a throw of 79.19m (259’9”). Unfortunately, they did not place in the top 30 in the World rankings, so they will not compete in Paris this year. I have a feeling they will return next year to fight for their spot on Team USA for the 2025 Tokyo World Track and Field Championships.
All in all, we have a strong team representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It’s been said that if you can qualify for the team, you’ll likely be in medal contention at the Olympics. Being a part of Team USA has become increasingly competitive, which has led to some remarkable results. I have a feeling we will be taking home many medals this year. Go Team USA!
Who do you think will reign victorious at the Paris Olympics? I cannot wait to find out!
Throwing it far,
SGB
USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix Round-Up
As Biggie would say “I’m going going, back back, to Cali Cali”
The USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix was a great mid-season competition for the throwers. The short lineup creates a more relaxed environment for these athletes because they already qualify for finals, given they complete a legal throw within the first three rounds.
Here’s something you don’t see every day in the track and field space: A combined men’s and Women’s Hammer Throw competition! This unique event adds a new dimension to the competition, making it a must-watch for all track and field enthusiasts.
What I find so thrilling about a co-ed competition is how the competitive energy is amplified by expanding the talent pool. This dynamic can lead to some exhilarating throws, and the atmosphere becomes charged with excitement!
Starting off for the women, USA’s Brooke Andersen wins with her throw of 77.32m (253’8”) from the second round. Also from the second round is USA’s Deanna Price’s furthest throw of 77.16 (253’2”), claiming second position. One of Canada’s finest, Camryn Rogers, comes in third with a sixth-round throw of 75.56 (247’11”). In the fourth position is USA’s Janee’ Kassanavoid, with a throw of 72.99m (239’5”) from the third round. Finland’s Silja Kosonen takes the fifth position with a throw of 70.51m (231’4”), and USA’s Annette Echikunwoke earns a sixth place with a fifth-round throw of 70.11m (230’0”). Rounding out the field, USA’s Janeah Stewart claims seventh with a fifth-round throw of 66.69m (218’9”).
On the men’s side, Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan wins with his third-round throw of 80.33m (263”6”). Claiming the second position and a new national record is Netherlands’ Denzel Comenentia with his first-round throw of 79.09m (259’5”). There was a battle for third place between USA’s Daniel Haugh and Rudy Winkler. Ultimately, it will be Haugh claiming with a throw of 76.86m (252’2”) from the third round and Winkler claiming fourth with a throw of 75.62m (248’1”) from the fifth round. USA's Alex Young claimed the fifth position with a second-round throw of 70.92m (232’8”). Rounding out the competition is Mexico’s Diego Del Real, with a fourth-round throw of 70.06m (229’10”).
Coming into the Women’s Discus, 2021 Olympic Games Champion Valarie Allman of the USA and Cuba’s Yaime Perez join the competition with lifetime PRs of above 70m. Right out of the gate, Allman sets the tone for the competition with an opening throw of 65.59m (215’2”). She then solidifies her victory with a third-round throw of 67.93m (222’10”). Perez placed second with a throw of 64.95m (213’1”), which she threw in both the third and final round. Netherlands’ Jorinde Van Klinken claims the third position with her second-round throw of 62.74m (205’10”). 2023 World Champion Laulauga Tausaga from the USA takes fourth place with her fifth-round throw of 60.83m (199’7”). Finishing fifth is Germany’s Kristin Pudenz with her third-round throw of 58.88m (193’2”), and sixth place goes to Nigeria’s Chioma Onyekwere with her fifth-round throw of 57.81m (189’8”). USA’s Elena Bruckner finishes seventh with her second-round throw of 54.65m (179’3”).
On the men’s side, Jamaica’s Roje Stona immediately claims the victory with an opening throw of 66.90m (219’6”). He then throws 3 cm further in the fifth round, solidifying the win. Chile’s Claudio Romero finishes second with a third-round throw of 64.12m (210’4”). USA’s Brian Williams and Reggie Jagers III place third and fourth, respectively, with throws of 63.36m (207’10) and 63.17m (207’3”). Samoa’s Alex Rose claims the fifth position with a third-round throw of 63.17m (207’3”). Places sixth through eighth are occupied by Team USA. Andrew Evans earns sixth with a throw of 61.68m (202’4”), Robbie Otal claims seventh with a throw of 57.99m (190’3”), and Josh Syrotchen finishes eighth with a throw of 56.67m (185’11”).
The weekend wrapped up with the Men’s Shot Put, and USA’s Joe Kovacs claimed the victory with his furthest throw of 22.93m (75’2.75”). To further assert dominance, his throws in the first five rounds were all 22m+. For places second through seventh, it was a battle of who can have the furthest 21m throw! Ultimately, USA’s Roger Steen won that battle with a throw of 21.78m (71’5.5”) from the fifth round, placing him second in the competition. Finishing third is Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, with a third-round throw of 21.78m (71’5.5”). Fourth and fifth place are separated by four cm, with USA’s Josh Awotunde throwing 21.39m (70’2.25”) in the first round and USA’s Tripp Piperi throwing 21.35m (70’0”) in the second round. Jamaica’s Rajindra Campbell placed sixth with a fifth-round throw of 21.07m (69’1.5”), Tom Walsh of New Zealand placed seventh with a fourth-round throw of 21.02 (68’11.75”), and Mexico’s Uziel Munoz finishes eighth with a fifth-round throw of 20.67m (67’9.75”).
The USATF LA Grand Prix was a great mid-season competition, with several throwers reaching the Olympic Standard and beyond! This tells me that we are in for an exciting Olympic Trials this year, and these athletes are hungry for a spot on their respective national teams. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Stay tuned for the next post, where I discuss the 2024 Team USA Olympic Track and Field Trials, held at the famous Hayward Field in Eugene, OR.
Throwing it far,
SGB
The Wind
For most folks reading, you may be wondering, “What is the wind?” For hammer throwers reading, you know that the wind sets up the rest of your throw. If you have a good wind, your throw tends to be good. If not... well good luck and hold tight! With that, I gladly welcome you to the “wind” of this blog called Beyond the Sector.
My name is Sydney, or Syd for short. I threw shotput, discus, hammer, and weight at the Division I level and continue to throw hammer post-collegiately. Fun fact: My nickname in high school was “the hammer,” thanks to my AP history teacher and basketball game announcer. It seems fitting, right?
Throughout my career in track and field, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most interesting, hardworking, and dedicated athletes. So, I created Beyond the Sector because I want you all to know them like I do - both in and out of their respective sectors.
The athletics world is witnessing an uproar of women surpassing every societal obstacle, and to be honest (and slightly selfish), I want to be part of the movement to share these incredible stories! I mean, have you seen the women throwers?! Talk about POWER!
Here’s what is to come:
Spotlight on Athletes:
In upcoming posts, I’ll spotlight athletes who have made and are continuing to make their mark on the international stage. Expect deep dives into their training routines, key competitions, pivotal moments that have defined their careers, and a good ol’ fashioned kiki session about life!
My Personal Path in Hammer Throwing
As for my own story, it's filled with ups and downs and many more lessons than victories. Over the years, training has become a harmonious sense of absolute chaos. I’ll share insights into my training regimes, the technical adjustments I’ve made over the years, and how I balance life’s responsibilities with the demands of being an athlete.
The Community
This blog isn’t just about sharing stories; it’s about building a community. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a seasoned coach, or a fan of track and field, I invite you to engage, share your experiences, and perhaps find a bit of inspiration or motivation to pursue your own goals, athletic or otherwise. C’mon! We’re all family here!
Here's to the start of a thrilling journey through the world of track and field, seen not only through the eyes of a competitor but also through the stories of some of the greatest athletes the sport has ever known. From intense workouts to the nerve-wracking moments before the competition, I’ll take you along for the ride in a transparent and honest portrayal of what it takes to compete at a high level.
I’m excited you are here. Follow me on social media, and stay tuned for future posts!
Signing off,
SGB