Stanford alum Valarie Allman breaks U.S. record in discus

The Stanford Cardinal alumni from the track & field team certainly have had their moments on the national and world stages. This past weekend, former Cardinal discus thrower Valarie Allman broke the United States record in the event, setting a new U.S. record with a throw of 230-2 (70.15 meters).

The previous record was 226-11 (69.17m) set by Gia Lewis-Smallwood. Making matters even more impressive, Allman’s previous best was 220-3 (67.15m).

Allman threw this record throw at the Iron Woods Throws Center Invitational in Idaho, near Coeur d’Alene.

The coronavirus pandemic had cancelled many events nationally and worldwide since March and this ‘low-key event interested’ a lot of parties, including Allman. Most athletes, including Allman, had been working on their craft independently.

It’s clear that Allman’s independent training worked wonders.

She was a seven-time All-American while at Stanford, graduating in 2017. She earned AA honors four times in the discus throw as well as two in the hammer and one in the indoor weight throw, winning two Pac-12 Championships along the way. Her best ever national finish in college was third, both in 2016 and 2018.

Her career is far from over as she’s seemingly hitting her stride and she still maintains two Stanford records, one in the discus at 208-6 (63.55m) and in the 20-pound weight throw at 70-3 ¹⁄₂ (21.42m). She won the Pac-12 Woman of the Year award in 2018.

Congratulations to the newest U.S. record holder, and Cardinal alum, Valarie!

Go Card!