Curtis Thompson uncorked his biggest javelin throw in five years Saturday night with a 267-2 at the USATF Throws Festival in Tucson, Ariz.
His throw is No. 17 in the world this year and No. 1 among U.S. men.
Thompson, a Florence graduate, won the event at Roy Drachman Stadium at the University of Arizona by more than five feet over Olympian Riley Dolezal.
It was Thompson’s best throw since he set the Olympic Trials record of 271-10 in Eugene in 2016. He wound up second to Cyrus Hostetler but did not get the opportunity to compete in the Olympics because he didn’t have the Olympic standard.
Thompson threw 258-4 on his first attempt before his 267-2 on his second throw Saturday.
Thompson was the 2016 NCAA champion for Mississippi State and 2018 USATF national champion. Since his huge 2016 season, he’s had season bests of 249-1 in 2017, 249-4 in 2018 and 258-7 in 2019 as he battled injuries and did not compete in 2020.
Take a look at Thompson’s big throw!
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 