IRON WOOD THROWS CLASSIC: 'More Iron Wood magic'? ... Former Olympians to compete in annual throws meet in Rathdrum on Saturday

By JASON ELLIOTT 

Sports writer 

On a quiet Saturday afternoon in August 2020, Valarie Sion, nee Allman, set an American record at 230 feet, 2 inches in the discus throw at the Iron Wood Throws Center in Rathdrum. 

But it came without the support of spectators, who were not allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Two gold medals later — at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021, and the 2024 Games in London — Sion returns to Rathdrum to compete in the 2026 Iron Wood Throws Classic, part of the United States Track and Field Continental Tour on Saturday. 

“She reached out to us,” said TJ Crater, meet director and director at the Iron Wood Throws Center. “She came out here and broke the American record. I’ve known her and her coach for a while and been trying to nudge them back out here. They were excited to be able to fit it into their schedule and think they enjoy the area. We’re excited to see if we can stir up some more Iron Wood magic.” 

Sion’s personal best of 241 feet, 2 ¼ inches at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational in Ramona, Okla., on April 12, 2025, extended her American record. 

A total of 13 countries, with 11 former Olympians, will be represented in the shot put, hammer throw, discus and javelin on Saturday.

Sion (champion in the women’s discus) and Veronica Fraley (seventh in the women's discus) competed in the L.A. Grand Prix last weekend. 

“Some are coming from overseas that have been competing in the Diamond League, or whatever their schedule is,” Crater said. “A lot of them will be prepping for the Prefontaine Classic (July 3-4 in Eugene, Ore.) or hitting a lot of the Gold Medal meets this summer.” 

Joseph Brown is a former Olympian in the discus, and Brian Williams was a finalist at the World Championships. 

Former Olympians Rachel Dincoff, Fraley, Caisa-Marie Lindfors and Jayden Ulrich will compete in the women’s discus on Saturday. 

Thursday's events feature younger athletes competing in the hammer, shot put, and discus starting at 11 a.m.  

“A lot of these competitors are the best in the world, or soon to be best,” Crater said. “Those younger kids that are competing on Thursday will get the chance to be up close and personal with world class athletes. It really creates a high energy meet for the athletes, as well as giving those trying to qualify for worlds points and the ability to do some special things.” 

Including giving tips to the next batch of throwers from the Iron Wood Throws program. 

“I think those older athletes enjoy being next to the high school athletes,” Crater said. “The culture and environment at Iron Wood, from the athletes to the coaches, it’s all about the throwers. We know what they want and don’t want. It’s just a welcoming place and comfortable. A lot of the athletes enjoy giving back to the next generation.” 

There is no cost to attend either day of the meet, and parking will be available off Ramsey Road on the grounds of the Throws Center, located at 1620 N. Highway 53.

“We’re excited to have it again,” Crater said. “It’s going to be a blast.”

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE 

11 a.m. — men’s hammer; women’s shot put 

Noon — women’s hammer; men’s shot put 

2:30 p.m. — men’s discus 

3:30 p.m. — women’s discus 

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE 

11 a.m. — men’s hammer throw; women’s shot put 

Noon — men’s shot put 

1 p.m. — women’s hammer throw 

3 p.m. — men’s discus; women’s javelin 

4:30 p.m. — women’s discus; men’s javelin