Oct. 23, 2001

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – University of Kentucky track & field sophomore Jeff Chakouian has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after winning the gold medal in the men’s shot put at the Junior Pan-American Championships last week in Sante Fe, Argentina.

Chakouian, a Seekonk, Mass., native, annihilated the competition and set a Junior Pan-American shot put record with his final throw of 19.92 meters/65 feet, 4.25 inches. Three-time world champion John Godina held the previous record of 17.73m/58-2, which Chakouian bettered in each of his five throws during the competition.

USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF Web site. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.