Dahlgren Won Back-To-Back HT Titles, Set MR

Despite having set two collegiate records earlier in the year, defending hammer throw champion Jenny Dahlgren of Georgia was not the favorite at the 2007 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Sacramento, California.

The favorite’s role was given to the only woman to beat Dahlgren – Dawn Riley of Southern Illinois, who decisively won a matchup at the Drake Relays and scared Dahlgren’s CR of 72.94m (239-4) with the second-longest throw by a collegian at 72.51m (237-10).

Riley – known more as holder of the world best in the weight throw at 25.56m (83-10¼) – came into the meet fresh off another great throw of 72.33m (237-3) effort at the Mideast Regional to claim the third-longest collegiate hammer effort as well.

The showdown was on.

Dahlgren put some pressure on with a 69.53m (228-1) opener, then nearly matched it in Round 2 at 69.52m (228-1). Riley was nearly 10 feet behind until Round 4, when the Saluki hurled an effort of 69.29m (227-4).

That was as close as Riley came on this day. Dahlgren had a second-consecutive victory by the time she stepped into the ring for her last twirl as a collegian. She made it count with the meet’s first-ever effort over 230 feet at 70.72m (232-0).

“I was shaking before each of my throws,” the native of Argentina revealed afterwards. “I told myself, ‘Don’t be a wimp.’ This has been such an up-and-down season with minor injuries, [so] it’s satisfying to end on a high note.”