March 9, 2012
ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Arizona State University track and field alumnus Ryan Whiting earned his first world title on Friday, winning the shot put event at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
Whiting launched his fifth throw of the Finals 22.00 meters (72-02.25) to pass Germany's David Storl and held on through the final round of throws to earn his first career world championship, both indoors or outdoors.
Storl's best throw of the day of 21.88m (71-09.50) held true through the better part of the first five rounds of throws in the shot put finals before Whiting's toss. Storl held on for the silver medal and a new career best himself in the process.
Whiting's throw was a new career best for the 2010 graduate by three centimeters and currently sits as that world-leading mark for the 2012 indoor season. In addition, the throw ranks as the 10th best throw in world indoor history.
Out of Harrisburg, Pa., Whiting finished up his collegiate career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in Sun Devil history. Whiting earned 11 All-America awards (4 indoor, 7 outdoors) and six national titles (3 indoors, 3 outdoors) during his time at Arizona State. His 11 All-America awards lead all Arizona State men in school history.
Whiting was named 2010 USTFCCCA National Field Athlete of the Year as a senior after winning the shot put and discus national titles outdoors and was a Bowerman Finalist as well.
Whiting still remains in contact with Arizona State throws coach David Dumble as he continues his post-collegiate career training in Pennsylvania. The two maintain communication through phone and E-mail and Dumble reviews practice footage from Whiting and offers him feedback.
Dumble is spending the weekend in Boise, Idaho, with the track and field team as he prepares shot putters Jordan Clarke and Anna Jelmini for the NCAA Indoor Championships taking place today and tomorrow.
Whiting will now turn his attention to the 2012 outdoor campaign as he looks to solidify a spot on the USA Olympic Team and looks to earn his first career Olympic medal in the process.