Blackburn picks up discus, javelin victories in Germany
Paige Blackburn
Her two victories helped the Air Force alumni women compile 61 points to claim the team title over Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Blackburn, of Soldotna High fame, won the discus with a mark of 172 feet, 4 inches and the javelin at 164-2.
Her discus throw was two feet shy of her effort at last year’s Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Last year, Blackburn was named the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year for track and field.
In college, she was a three-time Academic All-American and the 2012 Mountain West Conference Field Athlete of the Year.
Blackburn holds the Academy indoor record in the weight throw and her name is etched all over the school’s record book. She ranks No. 2 all-time in the shot out, javelin and discus and holds a couple class records as a freshman and senior.
The 27-year-old continues her track and field career thanks to the Air Force World Class Athlete Program, which is designed to allow elite athletes the opportunity to train and compete in national events to make the Olympics
Blackburn is considering a run at the 2020 Games.