Christian Cantwell: Not Just an Insider

Cantwell won his first World Outdoor championship in 2009, edging Beijing champ Tomasz Majewski with a toss measuring 22.03 meters (72 feet, 3 inches). In 2008 Cantwell finished second at the Olympic Trials, then became the lone American to reach the medals stand in Beijing, gaining the silver medal with a final-round toss measuring 21.09 meters (69 feet, 2 inches).

Third Time’s the Charm:

Cantwell fouled on all three of his throws at the 2000 Olympic Trials. He fouled on five of his six attempts at the 2004 Trials, but his one legal toss was almost good enough as he fell just 2 inches short of making the U.S. team. In 2008 Cantwell was a solid second, behind Reese Hoffa and ahead of Adam Nelson, to earn his first trip to the Olympic Games. He placed third at the 2012 Olympic Trials, then took fourth place in the London Games.

Mr. Inside:

Cantwell is a three-time World Indoor champion, winning in 2004, 2008 and 2010. He’s also won four U.S. Indoor championships (2004, 2007-08 and 2010). Nevertheless, Cantwell has enjoyed success under the sun as well. He earned American outdoor championships in 2005, 2009 and 2010. He was ranked No. 1 in the world and had the world’s top four throws in 2004, including a personal best 73 feet, 11.5 inches. He won the first Diamond League shot put title, in 2010, and earned a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships.

Another Putter on the Way?:

A seven-time All-American at the University of Missouri – where he later became a volunteer assistant – Cantwell is married to the former Teri Steer, an Olympic shot putter in 2000. He and his wife have a son, Jackson Daniel, born in May 2008.

The Stats:

• Height: 6-5
• Weight: 300
• Birth date: September 30, 1980
• Hometown: Eldon, Missouri
• Personal best: 22.54 meters (73 feet, 11 inches)