Strickler Takes 6th at World University Games
8/31/2017 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan - Miami University graduate Amelia Strickler finished sixth in shot put at last week's World University Games. Strickler, who led Miami's shot put contingent to a number-one national ranking before graduation in May, competed on behalf of Great Britain, from which she holds dual citizenship.
Strickler recorded a mark of 56-2, topping the 55-7 mark she set during her senior year - a Miami outdoor record. She earned the bid to compete at the biennial event after placing second at the British Track & Field Championships with a 54-5.25 in July.
"I am very pleased to have thrown a personal best not only at my first international competition but the biggest meet of my career thus far," Strickler said. "It was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed being part of such a high level of competition."
The World University Games, or Universiade, as it is commonly called, is the world's largest multi-sport event aside from the Olympics. Hosted by the International University Sports Federation, the competition looks to sponsor international competition between student-athletes. This year, Japan emerged as the top nation for the first time since the Universiade's conception in 1959.
Her success at the international level was not unexpected. She set and then reset Miami records in indoor and outdoor shot put and was named an All-American three times during her time with the Red and White. She finished runner-up in the Mid-American Conference Outdoor Championships, qualified for regionals, and eventually went on to earn Second-Team All-America honors after taking 10th at the NCAA Outdoor Championships her senior year.
"It was a long and successful season for Amelia," said Coach Steve Manz, Strickler's throws coach at Miami. "To go out with a new best at a major competition is pretty special and a testament to all of her hard work."
"It was an honor to represent Miami and Great Britain," said Strickler. "I'd like to thank [Coach] Steve Manz, Miami University, British Athletics, and my amazing family for their support."
