Paris, France - Missouri Southern alum Rajindra Campbell took bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics in shot put with a throw of 22.15m, solidifying Campbell in Missouri Southern history as the first former Lion to receive an Olympic medal and compete in an Olympic Final.
After Campbell placing first in the Shot Put at the Jamaica Olympic Trials to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, Campbell took 10th in the Olympic qualifier with a throw of 21.05m to qualify for the Olympic Final. Campbell's throw of 22.15m tied him for the second best throw in the final, but finished in bronze as the silver winner had a longer distance in his second best attempt.
Campbell's podium finish does not only mark him in Missouri Southern history, but Jamaican history as well as he is the first Jamaican ever to win an Olympic Shot Put medal.
"What an amazing accomplishment for Rajindra! Coming into the competition ranked 16th in the world, and finishing in Bronze position is astounding. We couldn't be more proud. Congratulations to coach Brian Allen as well, as he continues to train Campbell at MSSU," commented Missouri Southern Track and Field head coach Bryan Schiding.
Missouri Southern Track and Field throws coach Brian Allen added, "This bronze medal is a culmination of hard work and sacrifice. I'm incredibly proud of Rajindra and ecstatic to see all of his work come to fruition. I'm lucky to be a part of his journey."
Rajindra Campbell competed for Missouri Southern during the 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21 seasons. He holds the program's Shot Put records for both indoor (20.07m) and outdoor seasons (19.99m) and holds the second best Discus Throw (58.73m) in Missouri Southern history.
Following the completion of his senior season in 2021, Campbell was named the USTFCCCA National Field Athlete of the Year. During the outdoor championships that spring, Campbell was the National Champion in both the Discus Throw (55.98m) and the Shot Put (19.99m). He started the 2021 outdoor season with a 2nd place finish, then went on to claim eight straight victories in the Shot Put, including an MIAA Championship along with his National Championship.
During the 2020 indoor season, Campbell competed at five meets in the Shot Put, winning every competition including the MIAA Championship with his school record throw of 20.07m. The National Championships were supposed to take place March 13-14, but the event was canceled due to COVID. His performance that season earned him the title of Central Region Men's Indoor Field Athlete of the Year.
Campbell earned All-American honors during the 2019 outdoor season, taking 5th in the Shot Put at the National Championships. A few weeks prior to that, Campbell was the MIAA Champion in the Discus Throw and was named All-MIAA with a 3rd place finish in the Shot Put.
2 comments:
Congratulation to Rajindra Campbell - it took Hard Work and Dedication to Achieve this Bronze Medal - even though he Won this for the Country of Jamaica - we still got to enjoy a Local Alumnus, who Achieved this Great Honor on an International Level.
👍👍👍
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