Aretha Thurmond: 2008 U.S. Discus Champ

Discus-thrower Aretha Thurmond won the 2008 Olympic Trials, then was a solid qualifier in Beijing (61.90 meters/203 feet, 1.01 inches) before placing tenth in the final.

Winning by losing:

Thurmond began her track and field career following a lost bet. She wanted to play softball in high school, but her phys ed teacher wanted her to go out for track. They made a bet that if he could beat her in one-on-one basketball, she would give up softball. He won the bet, and she went on to win three Washington state discus titles.

Twice as nice:

Thurmond won her second consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials discus competition in 2008 with a best throw of 65.20 meters (213 feet, 10.93 inches). Her winning attempt in 2004 traveled 63.55 meters (208-5.97). Thurmond also qualified for the Olympic team by placing third in 1996. She was fourth at the 2000 Trials.

Career highlights:

Prior to the 2008 Olympic Trials, Thurmond won three U.S. Outdoor championships. She also earned gold medals at the 1999 and 2003 Pan Am Games.

The stats:

• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 235
• Age: 32
• Birth date: August 14, 1976
• Hometown: Renton, Washington
• World Championships: None