The New Balance Nationals Indoor (NBNI) Championships this weekend isn’t the only elite competition where Rhode Island’s best weight throwers will face the nation’s finest.
Several of the state’s top throwers will also be competing in New York City at the Nike Indoor Nationals.
Leading the way is defending champion Shamrock Thoun of Woonsocket, who will be looking to repeat his triple crown from 2025 with victories at New Balance, Nike and next weekend’s adidas Indoor Nationals. Thoun begins his quest for the three-peat on Saturday in Boston at NBNI, followed by competition at NIN on Sunday.
The Kennesaw State commit comes in with a personal best of 83-1.75. Thoun faces stiff competition, including four others ranked among the top 10 nationally: Nevada’s Kayden Hulet of Debbie Smith CTE Academy (No. 2, 82-0.75), East Greenwich’s Ryan Evans (No. 3, 81-10.75), New York’s Charles Sullivan of Somers (No. 6, 75-11.5) and New York’s Kane Poje of Tri Valley Central (No. 9, 75-3.5).
In the girls’ competition, Smithfield’s Taylor McGinness (No. 5, 56-10) and Prout School state titlist Julie Smith (No. 6, 56-6.5) are the top Rhode Island entries, scheduled for Thursday. Lexington’s Ainsley Cuthbertson (MA) is the No. 1 seed with a best of 57-10½, followed by Kim Beard of the Kings School (WA) at No. 2 with a PR of 57-6.
North Kingstown’s Tayla Schneider, listed among the weight throw entries, will also be looking to make an impact in the shot put on Friday. The state and New England champion owns a best of 43-6¾ from her recent regional crown.
Click on the links below for complete entries and the schedule of events.
