Athletics – World Athletics Championships – Women’s Shooting – Finals – Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA – July 16, 2022 Gold medalist Chase Ealey of the United States celebrates their overall victory REUTERS / Aleksandra Szmigiel
EUGENE, Oregon — Chase Ealey made history with just one throw on Saturday when she won the United States’ first women’s shooting title at the World Championships, denying her third consecutive gold. followed by Gong Lijiao of China.
The 27-year-old screamed as she threw 20.49 meters with an opening attempt, a mark that has proven untouchable over six rounds, even though Chinese Olympic champion Gong came close with 5th try, only 10cm down.
“I’m just trying to set a tone but I feel like I can jump further if needed,” Ealey told Reuters. “It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life. I don’t think I could think of a better moment.”
Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands set a national record of 19.77m to win bronze.
Heartbreaking for Canadian Sarah Mitton, who equaled Schilder’s points on her last attempt but only finished fourth on the tiebreaker.
Ealey hugged his teammates after the last throw and was immersed in the cheers of the home crowd as he continued his unbeaten streak in 2022.
Athletics – World Athletics Championships – Women’s Shooting – Finals – Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA – July 16, 2022 Chase Ealey of USA in REUTERS / Aleksandra Szmigiel match
“I feel like I can’t control my last throw with these emotions. To do all this at home… I hope this will change my life,” she said.
She was the first US gold medalist when the country hosted the World Championships for the first time, with the US men sweeping the 100 meters a few minutes later.
Ealey, with her nails painted red, white and blue, wiped her tears from the podium as the American national anthem played.
“I don’t think I can describe the atmosphere at the stadium today,” she said. “It will stay deep in my heart.”
Gong said she expected more of herself in Eugene.
“After the Tokyo Olympics, I was out of the game for more than six months, but when I decided to start preparing for this World Championship, I knew I had a huge responsibility as a champion. (incumbent),” she said.
“I’m not very happy with this silver medal.”
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