It's the magic barrier in the Shot Put, that every thrower strives for. 60-feet in the Shot Put is the great distinguisher in the event, and New York has kept them coming for over a decade now.
However, that was in danger in 2020. The top returning thrower only had a best of 54-feet. Second best returner was an athlete named Quinn Smith (Hampton Bays), who ended his Indoor campaign with a PR of 53-0.25. Third, was Jayden DuBard (Cheektowaga) at 49-10. The new season prospects looked bleak.
Things improved Outdoors. DuBard took over Top Returner status, when he put out a 55-1 to take 2nd at the State Meet. Smith improved as well, now out to 54-3. A far cry from 60-feet, but showing enough progress to signify there was more left in the tank.
Flash forward to last weekend, and Quinn Smith launched a Lifetime Best of 60-feet, to overtake DuBard, who now carries a best of 58-0. Smith joins 6 other Long Islanders on the 60-foot list, while DuBard has Outdoor Season to join the 3 others from Section 6. And as for next year? DuBard is only a Junior.
