SAINT-DENIS, France — While much of the Pacific Northwest was fast asleep, Oregon Duck Jaida Ross was cementing her place in the women's Olympic shot put finals.
On Thursday, the University of Oregon athlete threw a distance of 18.58, netting her an eighth-place finish overall in the qualifying round, just behind fellow Team USA member Raven Saunders, who threw 18.62.
Canada's Sarah Mitton placed first with a throw of 19.77, Maddison-Lee Wesche of New Zealand placed second with a throw of 19.25, and Germany's Yemisi Ogunleye placed third with a throw of 19.24.
This marks the former North Medford High School graduate's first Olympic Games, and with her motivation being higher than ever, Ross has her sights set on some lofty goals in Paris and is ready to give it her all to go for gold.
Ross will throw again on Friday, Aug. 8, in the women's Olympic shot put finals.
