Following his opening-round heave of 21.53m, the US champion unleashed a mammoth throw of 22.56m. Not only did it break the oldest IAAF Diamond League record on the books, but it was also the best throw in the world since 2003, moving him to eighth on the world all-time list.
As far as the competition was concerned, it was over. 2009 world champion Christian Cantwell – whose IAAF Diamond League record of 22.41m Kovacs had broken – was the nearest challenger, throwing 21.24m in the fourth round. Meanwhile, 2007 world champion Reese Hoffa – whose meeting record of 21.25m Kovacs had smashed – was the only other man to surpass 21 metres, throwing 21.08m in round two.
But Kovacs was away and clear. All five of his valid efforts landed beyond the 21-metre line and he ended his series with a 21.91m toss, meaning his three best throws comfortably exceeded the previous meeting record.
Kovacs now joins David Storl – who was a late withdrawal from Monaco due to a niggling neck injury – at the top of the Diamond Race standings in the shot put. Both men have won three competitions, bringing their tally to 14 points each.
“Everything was clicking today,” said Kovacs. “I had a great warm-up which showed me that I was ready to do something. It was a big throw, but I knew I had it in me. After the big one, I needed to slow down, I was too excited. I was also happy with my last throw. It’s a pity Storl wasn’t here, though.
“My coach, Art Venegas, prepares me well and I trust him totally,” said the 26-year-old. “I think I can throw even farther and the world record is not that far away now. I just need more consistency, like making all of my throws over 22 metres. That is what I’m aiming for and that should be the key to success in Beijing.”
