Owers Participates in World Track & Field Competition

One of only 40 athletes on the US team, rising senior Torie Owers placed fifth in the world in women's shot put at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Youth Championships.  The competition was held July 6-10 in Lille, France.

According to a news release, Torie qualified for the world competition at the 2011 World Youth Track & Field Trials in Myrtle Beach, where she threw 49’ 06.25”, landing her in first place in the trials.  She has set school records in shot put and discus and also holds the Georgia Class A state records for both. At the state meet she threw the discus farther than any girl ever in all classifications.  

“She’s a remarkable student, leader, athlete, and Spartan," Athens Academy throws coach Richard Patterson said in a released statement. "I have watched her perform in track and field since she was in Middle School, and I have been a throws coach for over 25 years, but nothing prepared me for how good she has become I am amazed daily.”

He said Owers is already good enough to compete with the best women throwers in the SEC. 

"She wants to be the best, and is willing to work very hard to get it," Patterson said in the news release.  "It is nice to note, however, that neither her stratospheric accomplishments nor her aggressive desire to win have changed her.  She continues to be a bright, thoughtful, polite, sweet person who is a great kid and a delight to teach and coach.”

Owers was named the All-Northeast Georgia Girls’ Track and Field Athlete of the Year by the Athens Banner-Herald and Girls’ Field Athlete of the Year for the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Track Club.  She is currently ranked #2 in the United States for high school-aged athletes and #6 in the world for 17-and-under in the shot put.

Read more about Owers' recent accomplishments in the Athens Banner-Herald.