Standing alongside collegiate discus throwers, he looks undersized and overmatched.  Even though he’s contesting an event in the center of Hayward Field, it’s tough to catch a glimpse.  One look at the results sheet and glance at the decathlon tables reveals the substantial improvement that Ashton Eaton has made in his throws.  Those increased distances will translate into more decathlon points later this summer.

Competing today at the Oregon Relays, Eaton threw near his lifetime best with a toss of 148-11.  The consistent distance of his series was the most impressive aspect of his performance.

“The throws are something working on for four years.  It’s been a struggle.  This year maybe it’s the post-collegiate training, I graduated in December so I have no school.  Now I practice twice a day.”