Wake Forest Athletics
Ionata Sets PR at IAAF World Junior Championships
7/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
July 25, 2014
By Josh Gresh, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeTrack)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- Wake Forest rising sophomore Charlie Ionata finished 20th in preliminary group competition representing the United States of America in the 6k implement hammer throw at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Junior Championships Thursday morning in Eugene, Ore.
His distance of 69.93m (229-4) was over a two-meter personal record. He surpassed his previous PR of 67.70m (222-1), which he set at the U.S. Junior National Championship on July 7. Although Ionata set a PR, his 20th place finish was not enough to advance to the hammer finals. The top-12 competitors advance to the final round.
Wake Forest assistant coach Zeb Sion, who works directly with the Demon Deacon throwers, was very proud of Ionata's effort during his first appearance in international competition and his performance this season as a freshman.
"Charlie competed very well at his first international competition, and I could not be more proud of him," said coach Sion. "To throw a personal best at the biggest meet of your life while representing your country is really impressive. His performance was a great way to end his freshman year at Wake Forest."
Ionata's appearance in the World Junior Championships and winning a U.S. Junior National Championship adds to an already impressive start to his Demon Deacon career. The Barrington, R.I. native had a record-breaking season as a freshman, setting a school record in the hammer throw with a mark of 61.30m at the Coastal Carolina Invitational in March.
Ionata also competed in the hammer at the NCAA Regionals, finishing 27th overall with a mark of 198-11 (60.62m). He broke the 60-meter barrier four times this past spring.
Players Mentioned
