Garage Strength's Rose eighth, Mattis 12th in men's discus at World Track and Field Championships
Jul. 21—Alex Rose, who trains at Garage Strength in Maidencreek Township, finished eighth in the discus at the World Track and Field Championships Tuesday at Eugene, Ore. Sam Mattis, who lives in Berks and also trains at Garage Strength, finished 11th.
Rose, who represents Samoa, had his best throw of the day, 215-1, on his first attempt. He followed with throws of 210-6, 208-0 and 205-11. He fouled on his fifth attempt, then finished with a 200-8.
Mattis, who represents the United States, had his best throw of 207-3 on his second of three attempts. He opened with a 199-9 and closed with a 206-1. He did not advance to make the final three throws.
Rose had earned the 12th and final spot in the finals following Sunday's qualifying round at 210-5.25. Mattis was eighth at 215-2.25.
Kristjan Ceh of Slovakia won the event with a meet-record throw of 233-4.
In the women's discus, Chioma "CiCi" Onyekwere of Nigeria, another Garage Strength athlete, did not advance to the final after qualifying 21st with a throw of 189-10. She fouled on her other two attempts.
Valarie Allman of the United States qualified first with a throw of 224-3. Allman, who won the Olympic gold medal last year, is the daughter of David Allman and Lisa Oakman Allman, a 1980 Tulpehocken grad.
The women's discus finals were Wednesday night.
All three Garage Strength athletes are coached by Schuylkill Valley graduate Dane Miller, who owns and operates the gym.
