Guiliani breaks all-time shot put record 62-4
The South Portland junior Daniel Guiliani breaks the 38 year old record of Edward Bogdanovich at the Maine USATF Championship at Orono on Sunday.
Less than a week after he fouled out of the Class A State Championship meet South Portland junior Daniel Guiliani did what he's been aiming to do all winter, break the Maine state all-time best of 62-1 of former Portland High School star Edward Bogdanovich.
The mark of 62-4 skyrockets Guiliani up to the 6th best throw in the country, he is currently the #1 ranked junior thower in the country,
Guiliani prepared for the USATF Championship by spending his vacation week watching film of himself competing, practicing his form, shortening his first step to avoid fouling, working on his block at the finish. All things that he knew would improve his distance.
"At first, I was just devastated. I had gone the whole season without losing, not really having issues with falling out of the ring, then before I knew it, I was out of the competition. Guiliani said about fouling out at the state meet. "But I remember my father telling me shortly after "Use this moment as motivation, you have a long road ahead of you. Just learn from this, work out the issues in practice, and move on". Those words stuck with me ever since and that meet will be a valuable lesson learned for the rest of my career."
We caught up Dan via email to ask him a few questions.
What was your warm-up like on Sunday, and on what throw did you hit the record on?
My warm up involved a lot of stretching, running drills, taking some spins on air in the ring, and clearing my head from everything else around me, I was more focused than ever. I threw the record throw on my last throw. My top throw and PR previous to the throw was 61'10", knowing I was just inches from achieving my goal. So I stayed low, came out really fast out the back, and finished fast out of the front, and stuck the ending. I knew it was going to be huge the moment the shot left my hand.
What was your reaction when they measured the mark?
I was beyond happy. I just couldn't believe it. All of the hard work and time I put into it, felt like it had finally paid off.
How do you plan to keep your emotions in check competing in the nationals in 3 weeks, especially now you are 6th in the country?
I just plan on staying hungry, and not letting the big throw get to my head. This whole week I had a mindset I've never had before any week of preparation, and I just have to continue to stay focused, and take full advantage of having the chance to do really well at the national level.
With the hands-off period beginning where will you get a chance to practice?
My grandfather and I are building a ring, and I'll be throwing in the back yard. Plenty of room to take my throws, I'll just have to clear the area of any snow like I did last year around this time.
