USATF Indoor Championship: US Olympic Athlete Breaks 29-Year Record To Win Gold

As the USATF Indoor Championships 2024 rolled in, the track and field stars have only expertise up their sleeves. Daniel Haugh, the 28-year-old track star competing in the hammer throw, has achieved the impossible. In the men’s weight throw event, he defended his title by finishing on top and set a new world record, breaking the one older than himself!

‘WORLD BEST’ – USATF posted the celebratory moment on Instagram, which is a testament to Haugh’s mastery. Exceeding 26m with his remarkable 26.35m/86-5 fourth-round heave, he has become the first male to reach this remarkable feat, breaking Lance Deal’s 1995 American record.

Buckled up to best their rivals, the weight throwers came with their strongest maneuvers in one of the prime indoor events before the Olympics. And inarguably, Haugh wanted to look beyond his NCAA victories to make a mark on the national stage. Having competed in the  2019 World Athletics Championships’ men’s weight throw, Haugh has come a long way.

From Georgia Native to USATF Indoors Championships Star

The Georgia native smashed the record that stood for 29 years. A record previously set by US Olympian Lance Earl Deal in 1995 just witnessed a rising star snatch the limelight at the USATF Indoors. Hailing from the Kennesaw State University, Haugh stood strong against chilly winter mornings to train alongside his athlete comrade Isaiah Rogers. A prominent name in the NCAA history, Haugh’s friendship with Rogers developed over the years in their shared pursuit of excellence. “It’s great to have someone in the trenches with you who understands”, said the 28-year-old shedding light on their bond.

READ MORE: USATF Indoor Championships: Yared Nuguse’s Coach Reveals the Real Reason Behind His Participation In 3000M

Practise sessions with Assistant Track and Field coach Mike Judge were meticulous. He who focuses on science besides strength, undoubtedly had some winning strategies for his trainee, Daniel Haugh. “It, too, is the difference between breaking the world record or getting second place at this meet”, he said. Haugh, with no less enthusiasm, set his sights on Paris like no other. Said, “You see that 2024, and you say this is the year you’ve worked for, you know”. 160 days until the Olympics, we’re eagerly waiting for Haugh to smash his own record.

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