19-05-2025
English Teacher & Backyard Flowers: A Washington shot putter's record-breaking journey
WASHINGTON, Illinois (WMBD) – Joe Atkins may be one of the quietest athletes at a track meet, but his results are certainly loud enough.
The Panther senior broke the Mid-Illini conference meet record with a throw of 62 feet, 3 inches. Even though he's ranked second in all of Illinois, he won't be satisfied until he's at the top of the podium.
It's a little shaky. I'm not feeling too great about it, but I'm doing my best. I mean, I'm sort of going for gold. [The #1-ranked guy] right now is about a good close to a meter ahead of me.
Joe Atkins
In middle school, Joe started as a sprinter. His move to shot put came from maybe the last source you would expect.
'My eighth grade English teacher transferred me from sprinting with all my friends, to shot…She said I was a little bigger,' Atkins said.
He may not be completing The Odyssey, but Joe's journey did begin right at home.
There's nothing too fancy… I got a little extra practice. I do like not the full technique, but I do like some standing throws in my backyard… Try not to hit my mom's flowers.
Joe Atkins
When asked if he ever hit the flowers, Atkins laughed and said 'I mean if she ever asks, no.'
As he focuses for the state meet and a future career at Illinois State, Joe likes the solitude of the ring.
'I'm more of a individual guy, and I just like the fact that, you know, if something happens, it's all it's all on me. And I can make whatever adjustments I need to do by myself,' Atkins said.
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