Dominating Thrower Heads to the Pre Classic

By Scott Bush

It's been a fantastic start to Christian Cantwell's 2014 season. Holding the top two throws in the world this year, along with four of the top seven best marks, Cantwell is on a roll. The veteran opened his season with a big win against a top-tier field at the Kansas Relays, only to come back this month with monster wins in Jamaica, Tokyo and the Shanghai Diamond League meeting.

After two throwing elbow surgeries over the past two years, Cantwell is again showing why he's been one of the best throwers in the world over the past decade. As he eyes another Diamond League title this weekend at the Nike Prefontaine Classic, we caught up with the Missouri-based athlete, talking why it's so great to compete in TrackTown USA, his ups and downs of the past three years, having a son who's old enough to understand the success he's having and much more.

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Scott Bush (SB): You're having an amazing start to your 2014 season, including a quartet of wins in Shanghai, Kingston, Lawrence (KS) and Tokyo. It seems to be hitting on all cylinders for you so far outdoors, would this be a fair assessment?

Christian Cantwell (CC): Yes, things are going really well. I can't complain. 

SB: With the Pre Classic right around the corner, which includes a stacked men's shot put field, what are your thoughts heading into Eugene and competing in front of a U.S. crowd?

CC: Anytime I can compete on U.S. soil it is fantastic. TrackTown USA adds another level to competing in the USA. The atmosphere, the crowds, people, love of track and fun are reasons why the Pre Classic is a must compete at. 

SB: Last year, you were coming back from surgery on your throwing elbow and never seemed to really get your groove back. How tough was it coming back from the injury and when did you finally start to feel like your old self again?

CC: My throwing elbow had troubles in 2011 and by 2012 I didn't think I could continue. The pain was too much. I have competed through a lot of different injuries, but this one was unique. I had surgery late 2012 hoping to be ready for 2013 outdoor season. I was no where close. I competed very limited because I felt I had to financially. I started to feel like I was getting back to normal late October of 2013. Unfortunately, a bone chipped off my throwing elbow.  After another elbow surgery in November, I knew I would have to miss another indoor season of 2014. I finally felt ready in April of this year and I am grateful every moment to be back. 

SB: In this non-championship year, what are your goals for the season and how might they differ from a World Championship or Olympic year?

CC: Nothing is different. Every time I compete I want to win. I want to throw far.  It doesn't matter what the meet. 

SB: You've among the world's best in the shot put for such a long time. What are some of the secrets to your success?

CC: I love what I do, I am competitive against myself and my wife lets me. 

SB: As a father, what's it like knowing your son is old enough to start really remembering some of your bigger performances? That has to bring its own level of satisfaction, right?

CC: Jackson is almost six. I want him to do everything with me. He wants to travel everywhere with me which isn't feasible. This year Jackson is out for the Blue Thunder track club.  He is five years old and he gravitated to the shot put. He is throwing a 4lb shot put. Really rewarding watching him. He won his meet last weekend! He competes with 8 years olds. He is as big as them.  His hands are so big their like a baseball mit. He has changed my life and is so much fun. 

SB: We all know about your accomplishments over the past decade, but how did you first get started in the sport of track and field?

CC: I went out for track in junior high because it was coed.  I didn't take it seriously and it was a social thing for me. I didn't know how good I could be until my senior year high school. 

SB: During a non-competition week, what does a typical week of training look like for you this time of year?

CC: I have changed my training up this past year. I do multiple practices a day, all week long.