American Record: Ben Plucknett, 237-4
2007 U.S. Champion: Michael Robertson, 210-1
2004 Olympic Trials Champion: Jarred Rome, 215-9
Top 5 Seed Marks
1.) Ian Waltz, 226-0
2.) Jarred Rome, 224-6.5
3.) Jason Young, 216-0
4.) Michael Robertson, 215-3
5.) John Godina, 213-2.5
The big name lurking in the background of the men’s discus is John Godina. The three-time Olympian won shot put silver in 1996 and bronze in 2000, but has switched his focus to the discus this year.
He won the U.S. discus title twice in the late 1990s and was a 1996 and 2000 Olympian in the event, but hasn’t competed in the event at a championship meet since 2002. His seed mark is 213-2.5, fifth-best in the competition.
The current group of favorites is highlighted by Ian Waltz, a Washington State product who won the 2005 and 2006 U.S. championships; Jarred Rome, the 2004 Olympic Trials champion; and Michael Robertson, the 2007 U.S. champion.
Waltz has been the most consistent over the past few years, finishing in the top two at the U.S. championships every year since 2004. Rome has been in the top three every year since 2004.
Jason Young, the third seed, is also very likely to be right in the thick of the competition for a top-three spot and a trip to Beijing.