Over the next few weeks, MileSplit RI will feature what we consider the best performances of the outdoor track & field season. This was an arduous task to undertake as there was an abundance of fine efforts turned in by our Rhode Islanders throughout this spring campaign. Here's our latest...
Gianna Rao
Hammer, International Hammer Implement Invitational - May 7
The Ponaganset junior is all about consistency. Since the Classical Classic in late April, Rao has been undefeated against her R.I. rivals with no toss less than 171 feet. She followed up her indoor crown in the 20-pound weight with another individual title in the hammer at the State Meet this past June. She earned All-American status for the the fourth straight time (indoor and outdoor) a few weeks ago by placing fourth overall at the New Balance Nationals. Rao even competed in Havana, Cuba, during the weekend of May 26-27, where she took fifth at the Caribbean Scholastic Invitational.
Giving us indication that the state mark of 189-3 by former Warwick great Kate Johnston is within her reach, Rao had her best performance at the International Hammer Implement Invitational where she unleashed an impressive early-season distance of 185-8.75, winning the event by more than 20 feet with this PR performance! Rao would also surpass the 180-foot mark two other times this season with a 183-2 effort at the Rick Schomp Invitational and a 181-10 toss at the State Meet.
