From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank

Delsea’s Josh Awotunde recorded his 11^th consecutive top-8 finish in the shot put at U.S. Nationals Sunday at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island in New York.

Awotunde, the defending champion with a lifetime-best 73-8 ½ last year in Eugene, placed 8^th with a best throw of 66-5 ¾ on his 1^st attempt. He fouled on his next four throws before finishing with a 65-9 ½.

Awotunde has a season-best 69-1, which ranks 21^st in the world this year and 8^th among Americans. His 73-8 ½ from last year is No. 17 in world history and 10^th on the all-time U.S. list.

Josh Awotunde Year-by-Year Nationals Performances
2017 Indoors, did not compete
2017 Outdoors, 14^th, 62-4 ¾
2018 Indoors, did not compete
2018 Outdoors, 7^th, 66-0 ¾
2019 Indoors, 3^rd, 67-8
2019 Outdoors, 5^th, 68-9 ½
2021 Outdoors, 5^th, 71-8
2022 Indoors, 2^nd, 71-3 ¾
2022 Outdoors, 3^rd, 70-6 ¾
2023 Indoors, did not compete
2023 Outdoors, 2^nd, 72-6
2024 Indoors, did not compete
2024 Outdoors, 5^th, 71-5
2025 Indoors, 3^rd, 69-0 ½
2025 Outdoors, 1^st, 73-8 ½
2026 Indoors, did not compete
2026 Outdoors, 8^th, 66-5 ¾