Shot Diva Extraordinaire: Michelle Carter's Olympic Shot Put Triumph Outside of the Rio Spotlight

Outside the Rio Spotlight, #3

Michelle Carter, the first American woman to win a gold medal in the shot put, may someday be known as much for her fashion style as for her track accomplishments. Her style was undeniable in throwing the shot farther than any American woman had ever done before. This account of her journey to the gold, told in the style of 16 Days of Glory, recounts a competition against Amazons and teacup spinners, women from many nations who demonstrate beauty in strength. This is the story of the women’s shot put circle, on a cool night in August under a dark Brazilian sky, with samba drums pounding in the background and a pile of little silver cannonballs waiting to be hurled. (9000 words)