2017-18 USATF Junior Olympics Wrap-Up

It is difficult to gauge how an athlete will respond to extended season, especially an extended high school season.  In New York, the high school season typically ends around the first week of June with the state championships.  The weekend after that the New Balance High School Nationals are held.  Then, if an athlete qualifies, the Junior Olympics are held the third week of July. For some, the season begins in late October.
 
How an athlete embraces the extended season makes a significant difference in the success that athlete has.  The dedication and determination to continue throwing well into the summer is something to be admired.  The mystery of success makes the process all the more enjoyable.
 
And for Monique Hardy, the process was well worth embracing and extremely satisfying.  You see, Monique just completed her sophomore season at Webster Thomas High School by winning the 17-18 year old age group Hammer competition at the 2017-18 USATF Junior Olympics on Monday.  Her winning throw of 51.95m came in round 6, locking up her first National Championship. 
 
Monique completes her sophomore season ranked:
National #4 in the 20# weight (#1 sophomore) – 56’3”
National #4 in the hammer (#1 sophomore) – 184’
 
While breaking these records:
New York State Sophomore Weight Throw – 56’3”
New York State Sophomore Hammer Throw – 184’
 
Winning:
Monroe County, Section V, and New York State Championship in the 20# Weight Throw
Monroe County and Section V Championships in the Shot-Put and Discus
17-18 division at the 2017-18 USATF Junior Olympics (National Champion) – Hammer 
 
Earning:
High School All-American in the 20# Weight Throw (4th place finish at NBN)
High School All-American in the Hammer Throw (2nd place finish at NBN)