Haapanen Sets National Hammer Throw Record at USATF Masters Meet

The American record for women’s hammer throw in the 40-44 age category officially belongs to Amy Haapanen.

A 2002 East Union graduate and NCAA All-American at UC Santa Barbara, she left no doubt Sunday at American River College during the USA Track & Field Masters Outdoor Championships, winning with a throw of 58.06 meters (190 feet, 6 inches). In fact, her six attempts were the best six in three women’s age groups, including 35-39 and 45-49.

Haapanen broke the old record by nearly a meter. Oneithea Lewis set the previous mark of 57.08 (187-03) in 2005. Haapanen had previously surpassed that measurement three times, most recently at the Jim Bush Championships in SoCal on June 9 with a 57.99 (190-03). She applied to be named the new record holder, but the record was still under review before the USATF Masters meet.

Haapanen will next compete at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 17. She enters the competition as the top seed in her division.

Ukraine’s Iryna Sekachova holds the world record in her age category with a time of 67.57 (2014). Haapenen’s all-time best time, 70.63 (231-08), was set at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials.