LaFore Finishes National Runner-Up at USATF U20 Championships

EUGENE, Ore. (June 19, 2025) - Freshman Charles LaFore placed second in the hammer throw at the USATF U20 National Championship at Hayward Field on Thursday.

LaFore qualified for the under-20 championships earlier this season with his throw of 66.68 meters, the then No. 8 best U20 U.S. throw ever. 

At the championship, LaFore started with a toss of 68.04 meters, a mark that was good enough to send him to the finals. His next two throws reached 65.43 and 65.26 meters. 

Entering the finals, the Littleton, Colo., native first threw a 66.07-meter toss before hitting his personal best. His fifth throw moved him into first place at 230' 07" (70.29 meters), a new personal best and nearly 12 feet more than his best coming into today. 

With the crowd now getting into the fun and cheering on LaFore, his last throw landed at 69.16 meters. His national victory looked evident before the last throw of the competition stole the lead at 70.78 meters. 

Throws coach Paul Barrett said, "Charles stepped up and competed super hard. He represented Wyoming very well with a big crowd cheering him on."

Freshman Charles LaFore is now the third-best U.S. junior hammer thrower ever and holds the sixth-best U.S. U20 hammer throw ever.

LaFore will now enter next track and field season as the USATF U20 national runner-up, looking for a breakout sophomore season.

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