Hillman Record Caps Great Season

AMES, Iowa - Christina Hillman's track and field season didn't end until late July. But it was a great run. The freshman closed out her 2012 shot put campaign by winning the Junior Olympics Saturday in Baltimore, Md.  Her throw of 53-10 ¼ was a personal outdoor best and a meet record.

"When you break a record that was set by (2008 Olympian) Michelle Carter, that is a statement," said Iowa State throws coach Grant Wall. "Christina put together a great run at the end of the season, capped by the Olympic Trials, the World Junior Track and Field Championships and then the Junior Olympic Championships.  That looks great on the resume."

Hillman, a native of Dover, Del., broke the 16-meter barrier (52-6) outdoors to win the National Junior Track and Field Championship (U-20) on June 17 in Bloomington, Ind. All six of her throws bettered the rest of the field. In the U.S. Olympic Trials on June 28 in Eugene, Ore., she improved to 16.36 (53-8 ¼).  After placing fourth at the IAAF World Junior Track and Field Championships in Barcelona, Spain on July 10, she earned her personal best at the Junior Olympics.