Former training partners Ramsey and Saunders produce top two throws in Trials history, with Ramsey becoming first American competitor and only second in the world to surpass 20-meter mark since Carter in 2016; Aquilla follows NCAA Division 1 indoor and outdoor titles with third-place finish to earn Olympic berth

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Even without Michelle Carter pursuing a fourth consecutive Olympics and an opportunity to defend her shot put title, there were still plenty of ties to the past during a historic competition Thursday at the United States Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Carter, who has been sidelined following the removal of a benign tumor in her ankle, was in attendance to watch close friend Jessica Ramsey become the first American female in five years to surpass the 20-meter mark, in addition to witnessing 2016 Olympic teammate Raven Saunders produce a personal-best effort for the first time in four years.

And they all saw the continued ascent of Ohio State senior Adelaide Aquilla, who followed Saunders in 2016 by qualifying for the Olympics as a collegiate competitor, joining her coach Ashley Kovacs and reigning men’s shot put World champion Joe Kovacs as part of the group that will be representing the U.S. in Tokyo.

BUILDING THE OLYMPIC TEAM

Ramsey became only the fourth American competitor to surpass the 20-meter barrier, responding to a meet-record effort in the third round of 65-6 (19.96m) by Saunders only minutes earlier to throw a lifetime-best 66-0.25 (20.12m) on her fourth attempt, equaling the sixth-best throw in U.S. history.

“They always say your best throws are the ones that feel like they aren’t going far. I did not know. It still hasn’t hit me, but I’m happy, God is good,” Ramsey said. “It’s a blessing because we talk all the time and (Michelle) helps me with my makeup, although today I was just wearing lashes. We talk outside of track and she helps me a lot. She’s a friend outside of track. Being able to be up there with her is a blessing because she started it.”

Ramsey and Saunders used to train together in recent years, and consistently brought out the best in each other in practice and competition. They created that energy again Thursday, with Ramsey surpassing 19 meters on each of her first four attempts, and Saunders doing so in consecutive rounds in the middle of the competition.

“If anybody else deserves it, it is definitely her. I am happy for her. I am happy for myself. We were talking to each other the whole time, pumping each other up,” Saunders said. “It was great to make that magic happen again.”

But the most magical moment came from the 29-year-old Ramsey, who realized her Olympic dream in spectacular fashion by elevating to No. 2 in the world this year and joining China’s Lijiao Gong as the only competitors to surpass the 20-meter mark since Carter won the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

She also joined her coach Connie Price-Smith, a four-time Olympian, by qualifying for Tokyo and surpassed the best career mark of 64-3.75 (19.60m) by her mentor from 1994.

“It’s amazing. She always told me I could do it, coach Connie is amazing. She treats us like her kids, so it’s like when we don't have a mom there she’s your mom there, and she’ll get on me and she’ll yell at me,” Ramsey said. “It's amazing to have her because she’s motivating, but she gets down and she gets on me.”

Saunders, who joined Carter and Felisha Johnson in representing the U.S. in 2016, has endured a challenging five years since, including struggles with mental health that she has shared with the track and field community.

“I threw my birth year, 19.96. Man, that was crazy, just a couple of centimeters off 20 meters. With everything I have been through, and constantly battling back every single time, whether it be mental or physical, it was a great moment to let out a big throw and a huge PR for me,” Saunders said. “It definitely pumps me up because I know that wasn’t everything that I had. I know there is still more in the tank. It’s been a long time coming and I just feel like God wanted me to be prepared for this moment and be prepared for this time coming around. So just being able to get out there and make it happen, it was just a great relief, honestly, because I know for quite some time I’ve been ready to do something big and finally being able to put it out there is just amazing.”

Saunders, an NCAA Division 1 champion at both Southern Illinois and Ole Miss, was also able to share the moment with the reigning indoor and outdoor collegiate champ in Aquilla, who produced a mark of 62-2.25 (18.95m) on her first attempt and was able to hold off all challengers throughout the remaining five rounds for the coveted final Olympic berth.

“Going into the last couple throws, I knew that everybody would just be swinging for the third spot. The first two were pretty solidified. I was the only one under 20 meters. Going into (the last two rounds), I knew that there was a chance I would have to make another throw and throw further to solidify my spot,” Aquilla said. “All the girls in the field are so insanely talented, and I have all the respect for them. I knew it was going to be very tough to make the team and I knew going into it, I was going to have to put my best foot out there. I am so happy it held up and I am going to Tokyo.”

When Maggie Ewen, who placed fourth with a second-round effort of 62-1 (18.92m), fouled her final attempt, Aquilla could barely contain her excitement as she stepped in the ring for her last opportunity. She quickly launched the implement to the left edge of the sector, before running to embrace Ashley Kovacs and Joe Kovacs in the bleachers.

“Going into my last throw, I was shaking. I was fumbling the ball. It was just a surreal feeling,” Aquilla said. “Obviously I have been having a standout season this year collegiately. So just to make the Olympic team and have this third-place finish and go to Tokyo is just the icing on the cake and it’s just an amazing feeling. And to have coach (Ashley Kovacs) and Joe be there with me, I am so excited.”

During hammer throw qualifying earlier Thursday, American record holder DeAnna Price produced the top mark in Trials history with her 252-11 (77.10m) effort on her only attempt.

UCLA standout Alyssa Wilson produced a lifetime-best 241-11 (73.75m) on her second throw, qualifying second overall and elevating to the No. 4 all-dates competitor in collegiate history.