The Britney Henry Project

Powerful Women Athletes Tele-Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:14:00 +0000

Powerful Women Athletes Tele-Summit

Talk live with Olympic hopeful Britney Henry about what it takes to succeed as an elite track and field athlete.

Participate in FREE LIVE interviews with Britney (the Hammer) Henry and USA track & field top women throwers as they are preparing for the 2012 London Olympics.

Britney Henry Interview and Q&A: Sunday, January 22, 2012 5 - 6 pm Pacific time.

Register Now

45-minute conversations with women athletes who know what it takes to be successful at a high level. 15-minute Q&A session at the end of each call.

Speakers List

One step at a time.

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:33:00 +0000

World famous photographer, Tim Mantoani, filmmaker Chris Park, illustrator Graham Smith and illustrator/musician Mark Matcho have teamed up with Olympic Hopeful, Britney Henry to produce a short video showcasing Britney's phenomenal hammer throw.

This is one frame from the hand painted, time lapse opening sequence. The 12 second animated sequence took 6 hours to film, frame by frame - 6 hours work for 12 seconds of film.

Britney has been hammer training for 12 years. This year at the Olympic trials she will have 3 minutes to shine. 12 years work for a 3 minute chance. Dedication, yo.

Happy Birthday - Britney Henry

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:13:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Britney!

the Britney Henry Project

Interview with Tim Huntley

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:55:00 +0000

Tim Huntley interviewed Olympic Hopeful, Britney (The Hammer) Henry for My Athletic Life. Read about a typical day in the life of an Elite Athlete and Britney's training sessions - with video of Britney throwing her Hammer.

Photo: Graham Smith

>>Interview<<

Behind the Scenes with Tim Mantoani

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:53:00 +0000

We are very excited to have Tim Mantoani join the BHP crew. Tim graciously accepted to photograph Britney, so we all got together at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. He has photographed several professional atheletes, including San Diegos' own Tony Gwynn for the cover of Sports Illustrated. We're looking forward to seeing the incredible images he created with Britney, but until then, here are a few behind the scenes shots.

Many thanks to everyone that rocked it out to make this shoot happen:

Tim Mantoani - Photographer
Chris Park - Mantoani Studio Manager
Austin Sosa - Assistant
Momi Gonzales - Makeup and Hair
Graham Smith - Mastermind behind it all
Teresa Heath - that's me. Documentor of all things behind the scenes for the BHP

Photos by Teresa Heath.
For the gearheads out there: I used the Mamiya C220 with Ilford Delta 3200 and Contax G2 with Ilford HP5+.

Behind the Scenes with Britney & The BHP

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:12:00 +0000

The BHP crew caught up with Britney at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA for a photoshoot. What better time than when Brit is in peak condition for the throwing season. While Brent Haywood focused on our star, I grabbed some shots of the goings-on behind the scenes.

Graham Smith checking the shotlist while Britney sasses the camera.

Andrei and Brent setting up the shot.

Dawn Vitale comes in for a quick touch-up.

Javelin thrower and bestie, Kara Patterson, drops in to say hi.

Film Maker, Andrei Booriakin

The BHP crew wishes Britney the best of luck tomorrow at Mt SAC. Stay tuned for more media from the Relays as well as Brent Haywood's work from the above shoot.

Meet Record - Oregon Preview 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Photo by Natalie Rombach

Wearing competition green Addias stripes, Britney Henry breaks her own meet record at the Oregon Preview 2011 by throwing her hammer 218 feet 9 inches in the first pre-season meet of 2011.

From the Register-Guard by Curtis Anderson: Oregon Preview 2011...

"Former UO standout Britney Henry, who is still coached by the Ducks’ Lance Deal, overcame fouls on her first two throws to uncork a winning effort of 218 feet, 9 inches. Henry broke her own meet record of 216-9, which she set last year.

It was a gratifying season opener for Henry after she was stuck in the San Francisco airport for 12 hours on Friday because of weather delays.

“My body was still mad about that airport stay, but hey, take what you can get,” said Henry, whose PR of 233-10 is just off the “A” standard of 234-7. “A win is a win, and I think that’s pretty good for how I feel right now.” " Read more...

From the Oregonian by Ken Roe: Oregon Preview 2011...

Oregon track & field: Pros Tyler Mulder, Sally Kipyego and Britney Henry tear up the Oregon Preview record book. Read more...

Practice, practice, practice

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Britney Henry at practice.

"A lifetime of training for just ten seconds."
Jesse Owens

Britney Henry Video at Mt SAC Relays 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 06:28:00 +0000

MT SAC Relays 2010 from Andrei Booriakin on Vimeo.

Watch Britney Henry, the Hammer, compete against the best athletes in the world at the 2010 Mt. SAC Relays.

The Mount San Antonio College Relays 2010 is an international, invitational Track and Field meet held at the beginning of the Track and Field competition season each year, in Walnut California.

The Elite Athletes, fresh out of winter training, see this competition as their first chance to test new techniques and to see how they measure up against each other.

The 2010 Women's Hammer throw featured the best hammer throwers throughout the America's and Canada for their International Distance Carnival. Watch Olympic Hopeful, Britney Henry compete against the most experienced and highly ranked athletes in the field.

Representing the United States of America are Erin Gilreath (American Record Holder), Amber Campbell (USA National Champion), Loree Smith (Bejing Olympics 2008) and Britney Henry (rising star) vs international athletes Sultana Frizell (Canadian National Champion) and Eva Orban of Hungary.

About the Video >>

The Britney Henry Project photographers and film makers were granted Press Credentials to cover the Mt SAC Relays and to film Elite Athlete Britney Henry in competition. We created this video to promote Britney Henry and her dream of becoming an Olympian in 2012

Film maker Andrei Booriakin filmed and edited "Mt SAC Relays 2010" as his first installment of a high definition video series for The Britney Henry Project. This video was filmed with a Canon 5D MK2, and Canon 7D and edited on an 8 core Mac Pro with Final Cut Pro, Motion and other software. Andrei currently works as the Senior Manager, Art Development at Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Mark Matcho, illustrator and musician extraordinaire, wrote, performed and produced the original score for this video, entitled Mountain III. His private recording studio is located deep in a cave somewhere in Pasadena, California.

See More >>

American Woman Video by Andrei Booriakin and Graham Smith. A rocking 30 music video featuring Britney Henry throwing the hammer.

Behind the scenes photos by photographer Teresa Heath document the day in the most beautiful way.

Mt. SAC Relays photos and portraits of the Elite Athletes by Graham Smith, can be seen here.

Read Britney's account of the day on her blog Olympian in Progress.

Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:57:00 +0000

Britney Henry

“And if you look at your reflection, Is it all you want it to be?”

NIN - Right Where It Belongs.

Training Season - day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:08:00 +0000

Britney Henry Interview by USATFF

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:26:00 +0000

The United States of America Track and Field Foundation spoke a bit with elite athlete Britney Henry about throwing the hammer and her personal background. Interview here.

Under Armour Swag

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Under Armour is an official Britney Henry fan. A giant box of their latest hi-tech apparel surprised Britney while she was competing on the European Tour this summer. Under Armour gave Britney a wonderful gift of their hi tech apparel to wear while she works out - everything was colored PINK or BLACK, Britney's favorite colors.

Thanks for supporting a young athlete's dream!

Portrait of a Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:30:00 +0000

Britney Henry - The Hammer: Brent Haywood Photography

Britney Henry the Rising Star

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:11:00 +0000

For Immediate Release. Written by Steve Corman, Graham Smith. Photo by Brent Haywood. Questions? Contact: Graham Smith. Phone: (619) 229-8746 The Britney Henry Project

San Diego, CA – 2010 is Britney Henry's breakout year. Dedication and persistence earned her place as the # 2 Women's Hammer Thrower in the U.S.A, and 14th in the world, according to the IAAF Top Rank List.

Britney Henry throws the hammer 5 meters farther now than in the beginning of the 2010 season. Her eyes are firmly set on making the American team for the 2012 Summer Olympics, especially after a few first place finishes and throwing a 71.27 meter, personal record, at the Tucson Elite, earlier this year.

“I work out six days a week at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista,” Henry explains, adding, "And during the summer, I either travel all over, competing in Track and Field Meets, work with the Padre's, or hang out with family."

Britney's success continued into the virtual world as well. This spring, The Britney Henry Project Blog was a 2010 Influence SD "Blog of the Year" finalist. Britney Henry was interviewed on the red carpet while enjoying the gala awards ceremony with her friends, and grandmother, Britney's biggest supporter.

The USA Track and Field Foundation became a supporter this year, awarding Britney Henry a very generous Elite Athlete Grant.

BIOGRAPHY & QUOTES

• Britney Henry was born in Anchorage, Alaska and grew up in San Diego, where she went to grammar school until 3rd grade, eventually attending Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, Washington.

• “I was a pretty good athlete and enjoyed softball most of all,” she explains. “I played catcher for a number of years and loved being involved with every pitch. Later, I discovered track."

• Britney broke the Washington state record with a hammer throw of 166 feet her senior year of high school.

• Southeast Louisiana State University, immediately offered her a scholarship. She accepted.

• "During that year I improved my throws to 205 feet,” Britney says, who moved to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge her sophomore year.

• “Before I knew it, I was recruited by the University of Oregon", a perennial track and field powerhouse, "My coach there was Lance Deal, the men’s silver medalist in the men’s hammer throw at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia”.

• Britney was a standout at University of Oregon, winning the Pac 10 Conference title in 2007 and finishing 5th in the NCAA Championship meet, held at Stanford. She was an NCAA All-American that year and her throws began regularly surpassing 220 feet.

• “Britney is one of the most determined and tenacious young athletes I’ve ever worked with. It’s a pleasure to see her drive and desire,” Coach Lance Deal explains.

• She also works with her former Olympic Training Center coach, Dan Pfaff, who now lives in England. He currently writes her workouts, communicating regularly by e-mail.

• Britney graduated from University of Oregon in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and a minor in business.

• Britney works part-time in ticket sales and community outreach for the San Diego Padres baseball team.

• “I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with such a great organization. I hope to mentor young women interested in doing what I’ve done. It’s always great to give back,” she adds.

• "I love to throw far and win. It’s what I try to do each time I go out and compete,” she concludes.

2010 Track and Field Season

USA Nationals 69.57

California Relays 70.23 (meters)

Tucson Elite 71.27

Tucson Elite 68.15

Oregon Twilight 65.13

Drake Relays 65.30

Mt. SAC 69.51

Texas Relays 67.96

Oregon Preview 66.11

IAAF Top List Ranking

Britney Henry:
World #14
USA # 2

Marketing

Britney Henry is active in her own promotion, is a frequent blogger. She works together with The Britney Henry Project, the A list creative group creating promotional materials for Britney. An Emmy Award winning writer, an illustrator, platinum record selling musician, award winning photographers, a web marketer and film maker all donate their crafts in support of Britney's goal. The Olympics in 2012.

The Britney Henry Project creates the look of Britney's brand, creates blogs, photos, videos and promotes her efforts online through her social media network, on Twitter, her Facebook fan page, Vimeo, Youtube, web-a-zine on Issuu, and through 2 blogs, Olympian in Progress and The Britney Henry Project.

Teaser Video: released online early this year on Vimeo, YouTube and Facebook. The 30 second, high-definition music video, featuring Britney Henry throwing hammer at the Olympic Training Center, was shot utilizing cutting edge Canon DSLR cameras and edited on a Mac Pro by Andrei Borriakin, Art Director at Sony Online Entertainment. The video is set to a driving rock remix of "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz.

The Mt. SAC Relays 2010 Video: Currently in production. 3:15 minute high-definition music video, featuring Britney Henry competing against the best international hammer throwers from Mexico, Canada and the USA. Original score by Mark Matcho, the platinum record selling, original bassist of White Zombie.

The Britney Henry Project Blog: 2010 Influence SD "Blog of the Year" Finalist.

Photography: Britney has done 3 major photo shoots this year: Olympic Training Center, MT San Antonio College Relays, and a studio session with Brent Haywood. The Britney Henry Project maintains a large library of hi re images for use in her promotion.

Olympian in Progress: Britney shares her personal experience training and competing at the elite level on her blog, Olympian in Progress.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hammerlover

Facebook

517 fans and growing daily.

Sponsorships

USATFF Elite Athlete Grant
The Britney Henry Project

Britney Henry is currently seeking additional sponsors. Please contact Dawn Vitale for sponsorship information.

Be sure to check out Britney's Facebook Fan Page and Twitter.

Behind the Scenes @ the Mt SAC Relays

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:52:00 +0000

How hard can it be to follow someone around with your camera? That was my task last month at the Mt. SAC Relays. I was invited by The Britney Henry Project to document Britney Henry throwing the hammer at this international competition. All I had to do was photograph her day. It was tougher than I thought it would be.

First off, it was sunny and hazy which made for a really bright sky and ground, not the most ideal light to shoot in. Then there are all the specifics with shooting sports photography, like fast shutter speed to freeze motion, positioning yourself properly for the action (which includes staying out of the way of fans and out of harms way), and plain ol' luck to get "the shot". All the above factored in to make for a challenging shoot for me.

The hardest part was worrying about Britney's personal space. When someone is in the midst of getting their game face on, you don't want to break that focus by being a nuisance. I think some of the more engaging shots would have been when she was mentally preparing herself for her throws. But, I was too timid to get in her space to capture them. I shoot with a 24-70mm lens which requires that I'm up in your face; and I wasn't comfortable with that. I would have preferred a longer lens. But, hey! No new toys until I get a little better!

I mentioned positioning being a concern. When we first arrived on the scene, I cruised right up to the hammer ring, got on my tummy, and put the lens right under the woven safety net. Prime location, out of the way of viewers and close to the action. I did a couple test shots to get my shutter speed down, then stepped back to wait for Britney. During the down time, I had the opportunity to watch hammer throw technique and movement to see how I might approach shooting. I was brought out of my mental banter by a loud *BOOOooNG*- the sound of someone throwing a foul and hitting the very pole I had my head next to. My head could have been there! I had to rethink my location. Who am I kidding? I went back to the same spot to photograph my cousin, this time with my head placed a little more behind the pole. The sacrifices I make! ; )

I'm thrilled to be working with The Britney Henry Project. The collaboration of artists shows her journey toward her goal of making the U.S. Olympic Team. I'm honored to be able to support her in such a unique way. I just hope I can get more shots of her being amazing.

Andrei Booriakan taking some footage of Britney's warm-up.

Graham Smith working that angle to get the shot.

Dawn Vitale securing the gear. We sure did have alot!

Shenandoah helped measure the throws. She was wonderful to allow us in her space to do our thing.

Britney getting ready for a warm-up throw.

Good thing Andrei is limber.

Britney focusing for a competition throw.

Britney's hammer was the easiest shot of the day. It was in the shade and stationary.

More on this story can be found @ Teresa's Photo Blog.

Britney Henry - profile badge

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:42:00 +0000

Photo: Brent Haywood

Mt SAC Relays

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:59:00 +0000

The Britney Henry Project media team drove up to the Mt. San Antonio College Relays last week. We shot photos and video of Britney Henry and the elite athletes competing in this international event.

Britney Henry

Through the net

Britney Henry getting psyched before the meet.

Britney likes to do 2 warm up throws before each meet.

Loree Smith's warm up throw.

Megann VanderVliet Rodhe

Amber Campbell has a great warm up routine.

Erin Gilreath, American record holder.

Loree Smith

Erin Gilreath on deck.

Loree Smith prepares to throw.

Canadian record holder, Sultana Frizell.

Sultana Frizell

Britney Henry's 69.51 meter throw.

Elite athletes on deck.

Shenandoah and the official measures each distance carefully.

Amber Campbell threw 3 over 70 meters to win the day.

Sultana Frizell earned second place.

Britney Henry locked down third place.

Megann VanderVliet Rodhe, from Canada PR'd by more than 2 meters!

Loree Smith

Kibwé Johnson

Read Britney's account of the day on her blog "Olympian in Progress".

Official results are posted here.

Photos: Graham Smith. Canon 400D. EF-S 55 - 250mm, EF-S 18 - 55mm.

Influence SD Social Media Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Our blog, The Britney Henry Project was a finalist, nominated for "Blog of the Year" in the first ever Influence SD Social Media Awards. Our category was for blogs about San Diego, authored by a group of people, so a big thanks to The Britney Henry Project media team and to Influence SD for throwing a great party.

Kara Patterson (Javelin), Dawn Vitale (Web Promo), Britney Henry (Hammer) and Grandma all enjoyed the red carpet.

Everyone twittered and Facebooked all night.

Best Friends Kara Patterson and Britney Henry mingled with the crowd.

Musician and local star Krs Justice entertained the crowd then stopped by the table to charm the girls.

Awards were handed out.

Sam -the - Cooking - Guy had everyone laughing.

Dawn Vitale enjoyed twitter-tini's, music and fun while organizing all the online promotions.

Special thanks goes out to The Britney Henry Project media team members: Andrei Booriakin (DSLR video), Brent Haywood (photography), Britney Henry (writer, hammer), Dawn Vitale (web promo), Graham Smith (illustration/design), Mark Matcho (music) and Steve Corman (writer) for their contributions.

You can read more about the awards night on Britney's blog "Olympian in Progress" or Kara Patterson's newly minted blog "Javelin Journal".

Texas Relays!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:41:00 +0000

The stadium overlooking downtown Austin.

"Austin is by far my favorite city in Texas. I donʼt know exactly what I like about it, but there is something that makes it stand out. It could be the food, the music or that it has one kick-ass track meet!"

The Texas Relays are a huge track meet. High school, college and elite athletes all compete for 4 days of amazing track and ﬁeld events. When you first get to the track, the first thing you notice is the fantastic view of downtown Austin. It is beautiful. Every building looks unique. Plus there is a gianormous football stadium, right across the street! The campus of University of Texas looks amazing, surrounded by shade trees and beautiful buildings, a perfect setting for a track meet.

The football stadium :)

Traveling to Texas, I had a pleasant surprise when I checked in to my flight. I was upgraded to first class for the first leg of my trip. :) This was my ﬁrst time ever flying in ﬁrst class, and I was quite excited about it. The main reason I was excited was the seats, they are bigger and recline enough to take a nap. Flying first class was great, until the plane was about to land. Turbulence is not my best friend. I am okay with the bumps, but not dropping. The am pretty sure the plane dropped about 10 times. I tried to tell myself that it was just like riding the bobsled - it kind of feels like the same, but my mind was not going for it. I had a little freak out, but not too bad. The rest of the trip was great. I arrived pretty late into Austin, and after a few detours I made it to my hotel.

WooHoo, First Class!

I competed on Thursday. It was a little windy, and by a little, I mean a lot! The gusts were about 20 mph. The temperature was great, right around 80 degrees.

This meet was a little different for me. My body was not feeling up to par. I was a little sore and tired from my previous workout cycle, and my previous week of throwing was not exactly what I wanted it to be. But, I was not going to let that stop me. I knew in the back of my mind my body would perform. It also helped that my coach, Lance Deal, was there to cheer me on, and to coach me as much as possible.

Lance is the only person that I can hear out of the crowd when I enter the ring. He gives me that last little bit on confidence I need before I step into the ring.

My warm-up throws were not the prettiest. I usually take 2 warm-up throws before the start of the meet. During my second warm up throw, I was off on my turns, so I let it go on my 3rd turn instead of my 4th. I do not like to begin a meet with a bad warm-up throw, but there was no time to throw another. I knew I could pull together a good throw during the competition.

My ﬁrst throw went over 66 meters, phew. My best throw was my 5th, 67.96 meters. But this was by far one of the ugliest throws I have taken in a long time! I still have no idea how it went that far. But it did, and that is what counts. Overall, I had great energy in my throws, meaning lots of speed going into the hammer, but technique wise, it was not that good. However, I am very happy with how the meet went, and so is my coach.

A must-have when you come to Texas! Yummy!

My next meet will be Mt. SAC Relays. This is another meet that I love. I have gone to Mt. SAC relays since my sophomore year in college. One reason I love Mt. SAC, is that the hammer cage is all by itself, and I donʼt have to worry about the cage doors being to closed too much. We get a pretty good crowd down by the ring, which is encouraging.

Hope everyone had a great week and have a great weekend. My goal this weekend is to do as little as possible, I haven't done nothing in a long time.

Happy Training,
Brit

I’m a fiery kind of person

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:09:00 +0000

“I’m a fiery kind of person and put enough pressure on myself. I don’t like to state my goal because it puts extra pressure on me, I just keep my goals in my mind.” ~ Britney Henry

Britney is competing at the Texas Relays in Austin this week. Watch her build momentum throughout the 2010 Hammer season. Get the Track and Field Hammer season schedule here.

Texas Relays
March 31st - April 3rd 2010
University of Texas
Austin, Texas

Blog of the Year Finalist!

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:27:00 +0000

The Britney Henry Project Blog has been nominated for San Diego's Blog of the Year by #influenceSD.

Thanks to everyone that voted, our blog is now a finalist. We are proud to be considered among San Diego's new media champions. The final decision is now up to a distinguished panel of judges.

There will be a red carpet event to announce the winners at Anthology on April 7th. Our photographers will be there to cover the fun, as will NBC, FOX and 944. Buy your tickets here.

Thanks again to everyone that voted, and for supporting Britney Henry, your local Olympic Hopeful.

The Oregon Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:12:00 +0000

“Your limits are what you make of them. I love winning, so I want to go out and win everything. I love to throw (the hammer) far and win. It’s what I try to do each time I go out and compete.” Britney Henry

Britney Henry is competing at The Oregon Preview this weekend. This is the first Track and Field meet of the 2010 Throwing Season. Britney is stoked to throw from her home field ring at the University of Oregon. Spin fast and throw far!

Oregon Preview
March 20th 2010
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon

Britney Henry Throws 66.09 meters (216.9 feet) Oregon Preview 2010

Read about the Oregon Preview meet on Britney's personal blog "Olympian in Training".

Britney's Hammer

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:50:00 +0000

Britney Henry by Graham Smith

It was early in the morning, the bright yellow sun was barely over the mountains behind The ARCO Olympic Training Center, in Chula Vista, California. I was meeting Britney Henry for the first time. "Welcome to my office." she shouts and waves, "Follow me, I'll show you my hammers, first."

I ran to catch up with her across the dewy grass of the Hammer Fields, to a big green tool box. She opened it, lifted a metal object out and began to explain. "Ok, these are my practice hammers, the official ones weigh 8.8 pounds, but some weigh more, or less, depending one what you are training for."

The hammer itself, looks like a cannon ball hanging from a solid steel wire. The wire is attached to the hammer on one end, and bent into a triangular handle on the other end. The whole thing is 34" long. I had never seen one before, so I thought it was pretty neat. The hammer was heavier than I thought, when she dropped one into my hands. It was bare metal, heavy, it had remnants of chipped yellow paint on the front, and there were hundreds of tiny dings and dents etched into the steel. Impressed, I hefted it back to her.

"You have to straighten the wire out, so it flies further." Britney explains, as she bends the wire handle to get a kink out. She knew I thought it was heavy.

Britney grabbed 5 them in one hand and said, "Ok, I'm ready."

"You need help with those?" I offer.

"Nope." She smiles. "Let's go!"

2010 Competition Schedule and Results

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Smith) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Oregon Preview
March 20th 2010
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
66.06 meters
1st Place

Texas Relays
March 31st - April 3rd 2010
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
67.96 meters
1st Place

Drake Relays
April 23rd - April 24th 2010
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
65.33 meters
1st Place

Mt. San Antonio College Relays
April 15th-17th 2010
Mount San Antonio College
Ontario, California
69.51 meters
3rd Place

Drake Relays
April 23rd - April 24th 2010
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
65.30 meters
1st Place

Tucson Elite Classic
May 21st, 2010
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
68.15 meters
1st Place

Tucson Elite Classic
May 21st - 22nd 2010
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
71.27 meters (PR)
1st Place
17th World Rank

The California Relays
March 19th, 2010
Cerritos College
Sacramento, California
70.43 meters
2nd Place

USATF Outdoor National Championship
June 23rd- 27th 2010
Drake University
Des Monies, Iowa
69.57 meters
3rd Place

Prefontaine Classic
July 2010
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
68.94 meters
5th Place

United Kingdom Athletics
McCain Jumps and Throws Fest
August 7th -8th 2010
Barnet Copthall Stadium
London, England
65.97 meters
1st Place

Folksam Grand Prix
August 9, 2010
Solttsskogsvallen
Göteburg, Sweden
65.77 meters
2nd Place