On the final day of competition from Eugene, Oregon, Maggie Malone Hardin all but settled her place on the podium and a bid to the Olympics right out of the gate.
It did not take long for Hardin to let loose a throw that was not only an Olympic Trials record, furthering a mark she set three years prior, but one that would not be challenged by the rest of the field. In the opening round of the javelin competition, Maggie threw for 64.58 meters, over one meter beyond the meet record of 63.50m.
Her agent, Merhawi Keflezighi said of the achievement and bid to the Olympics, “Maggie took care of business at the Trials. We are so happy for and proud of Maggie!”
The former American Record holder’s opening round was enough to seal her ticket to Paris, as she would end the day over one and a half meters beyond the next closest competitor, 2022 World Championships silver medalist Kara Winger, whose sixth round throw of 62.94 meters gave her a second place finish. Madison Wiltrout rounded out the podium finishing in bronze medal position with 61.17 meters.
In all likelihood, Hardin will be the lone representative in the women’s javelin for Team USA, as no other competitors in the field had the Olympic Standard or world ranking.
