Draft:Adam Sparks
American javelin thrower
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Adam Sparks (born March 1994) is an American track and field athlete specializing in the javelin throw. He holds the official USA Track & Field (USATF) record in the men's 13–14 age group outdoor javelin throw, with a ratified mark of 59.63 metres (195 ft 9 in) set in June 2008 at a sports festival in Hoover, Alabama.[1][2][3] He was subsequently recognized as the record holder in a 2017 profile in the Newport Daily News.[4]
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|  |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | March 1, 1994 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track and field |
Event | Javelin throw |
| Club | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best(s) | 59.63 m (195 ft 9 in) (600g, age 14, 2008) 57.86 m (189 ft 10 in) (800g, high school) |
Sparks competed at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa and later at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his career was curtailed by injury.[5]
Youth career and U.S. age group record
In June 2008, at age 14, Sparks threw the 600-gram javelin 59.63 metres (195 ft 9 in) at a sports festival in Hoover, Alabama, setting a U.S. record for the 13–14 age group that is officially recognized by USATF.[1][2] The Tuscaloosa News covered the performance under the headline "Tuscaloosa's Sparks sets U.S. record in the javelin at Sports Festival."[2]
This mark surpasses the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships record for the 13–14 boys javelin of 56.63 metres (185 ft 9 in), set by Carlan Naisant of Tempe, Arizona in 2014, as well as the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic championship record of 56.11 metres (184 ft 1 in) set by Brandon Racca in 1998.[1] Championship records capture only performances at those specific meets and do not necessarily reflect the best performances achieved by American youth athletes across all sanctioned competitions.
The Tuscaloosa News reported the throw at approximately 59.61 m (195 ft 7 in), while official meet results list 59.73 m (195 ft 11 in).[3][2] The USATF ratified figure of 59.63 m is the officially recognized record.[1]
High school career
Sparks attended Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, where he earned two letters in track and field. Competing with the heavier 800-gram javelin used at the high school level, he achieved a personal best of 57.86 metres (189 ft 10 in). He also recorded 47.65 metres (156 ft 4 in) in the hammer throw.[5]
College career
Sparks attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he competed in the javelin throw. As a freshman in 2013, he recorded a season-best of 52.78 metres (173 ft 2 in), which stood as his college personal best. As a junior in 2015, he recorded a season-best of 51.59 metres (169 ft 3 in). His college career was significantly affected by injury.[5]
Career performances
| Level / Season | Implement | Best Performance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 14 — 2008 | 600g | 59.63 m (195 ft 9 in) — US Record[1][2][3] | Hoover, Alabama |
| High school | 800g | 57.86 m (189 ft 10 in)[5] | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| College — 2013 (freshman) | 800g | 52.78 m (173 ft 2 in)[5] | University of Southern Mississippi |
| College — 2015 (junior) | 800g | 51.59 m (169 ft 3 in)[5] | University of Southern Mississippi |
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