Powell-Roos sets American discus mark at Maui Big Wind Challenge

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WAILUKU – Suzy Powell-Roos, a two-time Olympian, broke the U.S. women’s record on Saturday in the first round of the Maui Big Wind Discus Challenge at War Memorial Complex.

Powell-Roos’ throw was also the best in the world this year, bettering the 218-9 of Cuba’s Yarelis Barrios.

In the men’s competition, Ian Waltz posted the best throw in the world this year, a 220-9.

Former U.S. champion Becky Breisch is second in the women’s meet at 216-8, a personal best.

Powell, Breisch, and 2004 U.S. Olympian Stephanie Brown-Trafton (201-5) all surpassed the IAAF “A’’ standard of 200-1, which is required to be eligible for the U.S. team that will compete in the world championships Aug. 25-Sept. 2 in Osaka, Japan.

Beth Mallory-Lesch (199-7) finished the round in fourth place, and Cecilia Barnes (184-0) was fifth.

Jarred Rome is second in the men’s competition with a 208-2. He is followed by Casey Malone (200-5) and Karl Erickson (199-11).

Waltz, Rome and Malone all competed in the 2004 Olympics.

The second and final round is scheduled for Monday. Women’s competition is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., and the men’s event is to begin at 2:30 p.m.