ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Arizona State University track and field alumnus Ryan Whiting earned his first world title on Friday, winning the shot put event at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
Whiting launched his fifth throw of the Finals 22.00 meters (72-02.25) to pass Germany's David Storl and held on through the final round of throws to earn his first career world championship.
Storl's best throw of the day of 21.88m (71-09.50) held true through the better part of the first five rounds of throws. Storl held on for the silver medal and a new career best himself in the process.
Whiting's throw was a career best by three centimeters for the 2010 ASU graduate and is the world-leading mark for the 2012 indoor season. It ranks as the 10th best throw in world indoor history.
Whiting, from Harrisburg, Pa., finished up his collegiate career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in Sun Devil history, earning 11 All-America awards (4 indoor, 7 outdoors) and six national titles (3 indoors, 3 outdoors). His 11 All-America awards lead all Arizona State men in school history.
Whiting still remains in contact with Arizona State throws coach David Dumble as he continues his post-collegiate career training in Pennsylvania.
Whiting will now turn his attention to the 2012 outdoor campaign as he looks to solidify a spot on the USA Olympic Team and looks to earn his first career Olympic medal.
