21 May USATF Foundation John W. James Grantee, Joe Kovacs, takes second in IAAF Diamond League Track & Field Meet in Shanghai, China
INDIANAPOLIS – Joe Kovacs, a USATF Foundation John W. James Grantee took second place as part of a USA sweep in the shot put event at the IAAF Diamond League Track meet in Shanghai, China this past weekend, Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today.
Joe Kovacs started his season off with a great showing at the 2014 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico in February this year. He won bronze with a throw of 21.46m, which was a personal record for Kovacs at the time. As his season continued, he surpassed expectations with yet another personal record of 21.52m in Shanghai, China. The men’s shot put event was swept by the USA with impressive throws from Christian Cantwell (first place, 21.73m), Kovacs, and Ryan Whiting (third place, 21.31m).
The John W. James fund was developed to ensure emerging athletes in the throwing events are financially supported and highlighted. Thus far in 2014, the John W. James Fund has generously awarded $84,000 to 14 Elite Track & Field throwers.
“To see an athlete PR twice in competition in a short time period is a great accomplishment. Joe Kovacs is setting a great example of the type of athlete the John W. James fund was created to showcase,” explained Executive Director Tom Jackovic.
The Foundation Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes. Athletes must meet minimum performance and financial need standards to be eligible.