Shot put lands in controversy
Winner Cantwell blasts runner-up
By Shira Springer
Globe Staff / February 25, 2008
Christian Cantwell described his winning attempt in the men’s shot put with unprintable language [he used the “F” word! kk:eek: :rolleyes: ] usually heard from competitors who come up short.
He wasn’t happy with a toss of 70 feet 7 inches. Despite a 30-hour travel odyssey from Columbia, Mo., to Boston, Cantwell hoped to break the world indoor record (74-3) at yesterday’s US Indoor Track & Field Championships, having come close in previous meets.
But with a shot put measuring 125 millimeters in diameter, Cantwell felt uncomfortable on every throw at the Reggie Lewis Center.
The shot was smaller than his preferred size (128mm), and it slipped out of his grip, painfully bending back his index and pinky fingers upon release.
He passed on his final throw because of the pain and discomfort, and displayed a row of swollen knuckles on his right hand after the competition.
After falling short of his own expectations, Cantwell saved his best shot for second-place finisher Reese Hoffa (70 feet 2 1/2 inches).
Last week, Cantwell asked Hoffa, the reigning world indoor and outdoor champion, to bring his 128mm indoor shot to nationals. Hoffa declined, believing it was not his job to help a competitor.
“For the most part Reese is a pretty good guy, but he pulled a quick one on me this weekend and I’m a little upset with him,” said Cantwell.
"So, I’m glad he made it, but, in the end, I would have rather had [third-place finisher] Adam [Nelson] make the team for the world championships. Reese has a 128 indoor and he wouldn’t bring it.
“I couldn’t believe it when I called him and said, ‘Would you bring this for me?’ He goes, ‘Nah, I’m not going to pack it.’ I said, ‘Well, send it. I’ll pay for it.’ He goes, ‘No, I’m not going to help you. Why would I help you? You’re my competitor.’ He’s a hypocrite.”
When told of the comments by Cantwell, Hoffa looked genuinely shocked. He didn’t think turning down the request was a big deal, especially since Cantwell easily could have purchased his own shot.
“My side of the story is that Christian had every opportunity to get his 128 and he decided not to do that,” said Hoffa, who used a 137mm shot.
"It’s putting me in a bad position where he’s like, ‘I want you to kind of be my mule and carry my shots for me.’ That’s the way I looked at it. I’m not Christian’s mule where I’ve got to carry his shots for him to track meets.
“Also, he’s so good in the shot right now, why would I bring him an implement that’s going to give him a greater advantage to beat me when it comes to making a team? It’s winner take all when it comes to trying to make a team. I brought my shot. If he wanted to throw my shot, he’s more than happy to it. It’s that I’m not going to bring an extra shot for someone else.”
Cantwell also asked Nelson to bring his 128, but Nelson was already on the way to the airport when he got the request via text message.
“I’m not going to bring two shot puts,” said Nelson. “He’s got to take care of his own business. You can’t rely on your competitors. In competition, there’s a line you have to draw. I draw a line when it comes to bringing an extra 16 pounds in my luggage. The bottom line is, at this level, you need to provide your own implements.”
So, what does this mean for the world championships next month in Valencia, Spain? Well, Cantwell will luck out because organizers in Valencia will allow shot putters to use implements made of steel, iron, or brass.
Cantwell can take the 128mm steel shot he normally uses for outdoor competitions. Knowing he will have the right shot in hand, Cantwell has his sights set on a world record.
“I would have thrown it 4 feet farther [yesterday] if I would have gotten a hold of it,” said Cantwell.
"To me, that damn little ball is so hard to get a hold of. The damn big one is hard to get a hold of, too. I threw on Friday at a little meet, and threw the best series ever indoors [with a 128]. I knew I was going to come here and set a world record if I could get a hold of one. Now, I’ve got to wait two weeks.
“I plan on throwing super far at the world indoor championships. To be honest, I don’t think Reese will be able to keep up. He’s not in the shape I’m in. That’s the thing of it. I really want that indoor world record. I think it’s really close.”
By the time the US team heads to Valencia, Hoffa figures the bad feelings will have blown over.
“He can trash talk all he wants,” said Hoffa. “While he’s in Valencia, he’s got to have someone to hang out with.”