Mukilteo’s Beard places second in hammer at U20 nationals

Kimberly Beard’s assault on all things hammer throw continued apace last week.

The Mukilteo resident and King’s High School sophomore put herself in position to represent the U.S. on the world stage by placing second in the women’s hammer throw at the USA Track & Field U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

In a field that included college freshmen, Beard unleashed a personal-best throw of 186 feet, 4 inches to place second behind the University of Illinois’ Jordan Koskondy. Beard’s mark was a national record for the 17-18 age group, and it was top among high school throwers this season.

The top two finishers qualified for the U.S. team for the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships on Aug. 27-31 in Lima, Peru. However, athletes must also have met the world qualifying standard of 188-4. Beard is hoping to achieve that mark this summer prior to worlds.

Edmonds native Adrianna Coleman, who just completed her freshman season at the University of California, placed fourth in the event with a throw of 182-9. Coleman has achieved the qualifying standard, so if Beard is unable to meet the standard and third-place finisher Jenna Gallaway of USC (who also has achieved the standard) is unable to attend, Coleman would make the team.