Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Track and Field:

UNLV’s Amanda Bingson going to the London Olympics in the hammer throw

Bingson, a Silverado grad, threw a personal best 71.78 meters to finish second at the U.S. Olympic Trials

Amanda Bingson - Hammer Throw

Sam Morris

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.

Amanda Bingson - Hammer Throw

UNLV track and field thrower Amanda Bingson swings through the first rotation of her throw during practice Tuesday. Bingson, a sophomore, recently set a new UNLV hammer throw record of 183 feet, 4 inches. Launch slideshow »

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 [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.

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