Sarah Mitton denied Diamond League Trophy for 2nd straight year by record-setting Chase Ealey
CBC
World champion Sarah Mitton of Brooklyn, N.S., ended another spectacular shot put season with her 14th top-two finish in 17 events, placing second to American Chase Ealey at the Diamond League Final, as she did a year ago.
Mitton, who had a best throw of 19.94 metres on Saturday in Eugene, Ore., led the six-woman competition until Ealey stepped into the circle in the second round at sunny Hayward Field and threw a season world-leading 20.61, also a meet and American record.
She then lengthened her personal best to 20.76 before not registering a throw on her final three attempts.
"I wonder how we beat Chase. She was the class of the field," Mitton's coach, Rich Parkinson, told CBC Sports shortly after the competition. "I have my work cut out for me."
Ealey, 29, earned the Diamond League Trophy and $30,000 US top prize for her performance while Mitton takes home $12,000.
After her 19.94 effort, Mitton dropped to 19.79 on her third throw. She didn't record a measurement on her fourth before going 19.34 and 19.93 to end the competition.
"I think Sarah had an awesome series," Parkinson said. "She had an excellent day and I'm very proud of her.
WATCH | Mitton throws 19.94m for 2nd at Diamond League Final:
Cameroon-Portuguese athlete Auriol Dongmo, who topped all qualifiers for the Final with 25 points through the season, was third Saturday with a 19.92 PB. Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands threw a 19.88 season best for fourth, followed by American Maggie Ewen (19.82) and Jamaica's Danniel Thomas-Dodd (19.17).
"Chase ruined a very tight competition," said Parkinson, laughing. "All six women over 19 metres, and the top five over 19.80. The battle for second through fifth was incredible."
Mitton, who is ranked second in the world, secured a spot at her second Final by throwing 19.76 on Sept. 7 in Brussels, where Ealey, the 2021 Olympic champion, tossed 20.05.
In June, the Canadian record holder beat Ealey at the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway, for her first Diamond League win. She also prevailed in a head-to-head match in February, defeating the top-ranked Ealey in Madrid at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold series meet.
WATCH | Mitton wins women's shot put at Bislett Games in Norway:
After Mitton won world silver with a 20.08 SB, her coach Rich Parkinson noted the Toronto resident's pathway has accelerated only due to her work ethic.
