BUT FOR THE SAKE of 2 tiny centimeters Leonardo Fabbri would have become just the fourth member of shot putting’s 23-meter club. As it was he had to be content with 22.98 (75-4¾). And his first DL Trophy.
“I know I’m capable of getting that 23m,” he said, “so that’s why I’m a little bit upset with the distance. Of course 22.98 is huge, but next season we’ll hopefully get that 23m.”
The Italian star needed most of his opening throw to score a win over WR holder Ryan Crouser, as the American reached 74-9¼ (22.79) in claiming 2nd. On only 5 occasions has anyone ever thrown that far and failed to win.
Fabbri got his earth-shattering throw in the first round, then watched Crouser and fellow American Joe Kovacs foul theirs. Kovacs’ effort was a half-hearted one in which he slow-footed his way across the ring before telling the officials he was done for the day. A report the 3-time Olympic silver medalist was injured had circulated before the meet.
Fabbri’s second-best throw of the day was a meter shorter than his leader but it was enough to keep him ahead of Crouser, whose topper came in round 4.
The American still has what would seem to be an insurmountable lead in all-time head-to-head versus Fabbri. He’s now up 20–2.
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