Oct. 18, 2001

SANTE FE, Argentina – With no true challenge from his competitors, University of Kentucky’s Jeff Chakouian claimed the shot put crown with a meet-record throw of 65-04.25 at the Junior Pan-American Championships in Sante Fe, Argentina, on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Chakouian, who has yet to begin his sophomore season at UK, claimed the title by nearly 10 feet over his nearest competitor, Martinez Edmundo of Venezuela. He broke the meet record of 58-02.00 established by three-time World Champion John Godina with each of his five throws on the day and was the only athlete to throw over 60 feet.

“He is raising himself to a whole new level,” UK field events coach John Kenneson said. “To be able to throw the distance he did after a 17-hour trip yesterday is a good indicator of what he will do this year. He is establishing himself as one of the premiere young shot putters in the world. I am really excited about his progress.”

This success is not new to Chakouian, who was selected team captain of the USA squad in Argentina. In his first throw as a Wildcat in December 2000, he staked his claim as the top-ranked junior shot putter in the world with his indoor school-record heave of 65-10.50. No junior in the world threw farther in 2000 than Chakouian. He then broke the UK outdoor record with a throw of 66-00.50 in May of this year.

Chakouian returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 20, when he will compete in the discus throw. His best throw for the Cats last season, 174-10.00, broke the UK freshman record.