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UNLV track and field thrower Amanda Bingson begins a throw during practice Tuesday. Bingson, a sophomore, recently set a new UNLV hammer throw record of 183 feet, 4 inches.
Thursday, June 21, 2012 | 2:13 p.m.
UNLV’s Amanda Bingson is going to the London Olympics after finishing second in the hammer throw at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Thursday in Eugene, Ore.
"Coming up here (Oregon) all I wanted to do was get to the finals and do well," Bingson said. "I didn't know I was going to do this well though."
Bingson, a Silverado High School graduate, led all participants in the first round, then threw a personal best 71.78 meters on her fourth of six throws at the meet. That throw would have been a meet record had Amber Campbell, a professional, not nudged her with a throw of 71.8 meters.
"As soon as I threw that 71.22 I knew that the "A" standard was in me. I just relaxed, went for it and got it," Bingson said. "I was in such disbelief at first, but this has been my best series all year. I'm ready to represent the USA at the Olympics and just live this up to the fullest."
The women’s hammer throw begins in London on Wednesday, Aug. 8.
Bingson entered the meet with one of the top throws in the nation after finishing third at the NCAA outdoor meet. She’s a three-time Mountain West hammer-throw champion and recently picked up her second consecutive national All-American honor.
In high school, Bingson, whose previous best throw was 71.04 meters, helped the Skyhawks to two state championships.
Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or taylor.bern@lasvegassun.com. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.
Great News! Congrats young lady.
Fantastic to see a UNLV athlete at the games. Good luck Amanda!
I echo Wade's comments. Thanks, Amanda, for representing the community and I hope you have a great experience!