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18th Nike Outdoor Nationals
June 19-21, 2008 - North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro NC


Shot put: it’s not just for the guys
Becky O'Brien throws like a girl, and that's a very good thing

by Kristen Holzherr

Throughout the long history of the sport of track and field, men have been known to get more attention than women. But with so many talented female athletes out there, it wasn't long before they decided to make their mark on the sport forever and join the world of track and field. Many have had successful careers, and one thing is for sure, they are getting a lot more media attention these days. Take Becky O'Brien, a high school senior from Maine who competes in the women’s shot put and discus, for example. She has made her mark on the world of women’s high school track this year, as she holds the number one spot on the annual list for farthest distance thrown by a high school female in the shot put. She reminds us female athletes that we made the right choice by joining the track world, and that we can prove to the boys that we don’t just “throw like girls."

Q) If you could meet one female track athlete that you enjoy watching race at this meet, who would it be?

A) At this meet, I’m not really sure. I love watching Chanelle Price race, and I don’t think she’s here. I was on the [World Youth] team with her and I just love to watch her race. She just goes full out every race; it’s great.

Q) What do you think the biggest difference is between boys and girl’s shot put?

A) Between boys and girls, it’s the guys that have a lot more strength to throw with, and with the girls our benches are 100 to 200 [pounds] different. So I have to work a lot harder on my technique, but there are guys who just have phenomenal techniques too.

Q) Going to University of North Carolina next year, do you think they offer a better men's or women’s track program?

A) I would have to say women’s, just because I have a female coach, but I think that she can kick anyone’s butt and make them work hard, guy or girl.

Q) What do you think is the hardest part of being a female athlete?

A) The hardest part about being a female athlete, I think, is that sometimes we let our emotions get the best of us. I’ve learned the hard way the past 3 years and I’ve finally learned how to compete well in the discus, because I’d always let my emotions get the best of me.

Q) You recently beat your future UNC coach’s New England shot put record, what did that feel like?

A) It felt great. Ever since I came in as a freshman I always saw her name in the paper and I was like, “Who can even throw that far? That’s so crazy.” So to beat that was a huge thing and it really opened my eyes as to where I’ve come.

Q) Which do you think draws in the larger crowd, boys' or girls' events?

A) Definitely the guys, just because they do better than us, I guess. I think the girls are starting to come up because we have such phenomenal people right now.

Photo by Kristen Holzherr

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