IRON WOOD THROWS CLASSIC: The show in the throws ... Former Olympians and world champions to compete in Rathdrum this weekend
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
JASON ELLIOTT/Press Payton Otterdahl attempts a throw in the men's shot put during the 2024 Iron Wood Throws Classic in Rathdrum. Otterdahl, who was fourth in the shot put in the 2024 Paris Olympics, will compete in the event again on Saturday afternoon.
By JASON ELLIOTT
Sports writer
When it comes to throws events, this year is slim pickings.
Two events in Los Angeles were cancelled, leaving a large gap in the schedule.
So instead, the best of the best in the world will be here for the 11th annual Iron Wood Throws Classic, running today and Saturday at the Iron Wood Throwers Center in Rathdrum.
The meet will begin today with the men’s hammer throw at 11 a.m., with the women’s shot put also at 11, the women’s hammer at 1 p.m. along with the men’s shot put. The event concludes with the men’s discus at 3 and the women’s discus at 5.
Saturday is the day when the stars come out, with 20 former Olympians scheduled to compete.
“It’s the highest number of participants we’ve had,” meet director T.J. Crater said. “We’re pushing 97, with 20 former Olympians. The format is the same, but the quality and depth has really gone through the ceiling.”
Saturday’s meet is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour and is a Bronze-level meet, where participants can earn points to help their world rankings.
“Normally there’s two other meets that the World Athletics Tour puts on, but they were cancelled,” Crater said. “So, these athletes are looking for opportunities to compete and earn points. A lot of them are coming through word of mouth, but with a lack of other meets, we’ve been a fortunate landing spot.”
Some athletes will compete on both days of the Classic.
“You can still get points on Thursday, and some are getting the chance to have two opportunities,” Crater said. “The younger athletes are looking to get some points.”
Today, former Olympians Reggie Jagers III of the United States and Maurico Ortega of Colombia will compete in the men’s discus at 3 p.m. Former NCAA All-American Justin Stafford from UCLA and Olympian Diego Deal Real Galindo of Mexico will compete in the men’s hammer throw, along with former Coeur d’Alene High standout Matt Ward, who went on to compete at Montana before finishing his career as a graduate student at Colorado.
On Saturday, former U.S. Olympians Chase Jackson, Jaida Ross, Jessica Ramsey and Veronica Fraley, as well as Diamond League champion Maggie Ewen, will compete in the women’s shot put at 11 a.m.
Deanna Price, who broke the American record in the women’s hammer throw in Rathdrum in 2019 with a throw of 254 feet, 3 inches, is scheduled to compete. Stephanie Ratcliffe (Australia) and Sade Olatoye (Nigeria), both former Olympians in the hammer throw, are also scheduled to compete.
Former women’s world champion Laulauga Tausaga from the University of Iowa is also scheduled to compete in the women’s discus on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Payton Otterdahl, who won the men’s shot put at the Classic in 2024, returns after finishing fourth in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’m excited for what we’re bringing in,” Crater said. “This is the best set of entries we’ve had, with a lot more household names here. We’re just looking forward to getting everyone here and have them be able to compete in Rathdrum.”
Saturday’s winner in each event with receive $1,500, with $1,000 for second place, $700 for third place and $550 for fourth place.
There’s no charge to attend the meet on either day. Spectators are encouraged to park in the lot off Ramsey Road and Highway 53.
“To get this caliber of athletes to the meet is outstanding,” Crater said. “To get them to the northwest and give them the quality of an experience that they’ll get is great as well. We’ve got a great meet, with a great experience for them. And athletes are willing to come back year after year.”
IRON WOOD THROWS CLASSIC
Iron Wood Throwers Center, Rathdrum
Thursday’s events
Men’s hammer throw; women’s shot put, 11 a.m.; women’s hammer throw; men’s shot put, 1 p.m.; men’s discus, 3 p.m.; women’s discus, 5 p.m.
Saturday’s events
Men’s hammer throw; women’s shot put, 11 a.m.; men’s shot put, 1 p.m.; women’s hammer throw, 1:30 p.m.; women’s javelin, 3 p.m.; men’s discus, 4 p.m.; men’s javelin, 5 p.m.; women’s discus, 6 p.m.