Clarke flirts with PR in shot put, finishes second in Italy
Jordan Clarke of Anchorage turned in probably his finest international performance in the shot put after the 24-year-old earned a silver medal at a Diamond League event in Italy.
The Diamond League is like the NFL of track and field.
Clarke, of Bartlett High fame, popped a throw of 69 feet, 9.75 inches on his second of six attempts.
He momentarily led the meet until world champion David Storl of Germany uncorked a winning toss of 70-5.
Still, the second-place effort was still a career highlight on a remarkable resume that includes a 2014 Pan Am gold medal and four NCAA championships while at Arizona State University.
The 24-year-old was the only thrower to avoid a foul. He flirted with his PR of 70-1.5, coming up a few inches short.
Clarke now ranks third after 3 of 14 Diamond League events. Americans make up four of the top five spots.