In late April, shot put success seemed nearly impossible as Christina Hillman as she struggled through the Drake Relays. By early June, an NCAA prelims championship wasn’t good enough.
It was an odd turn of events in a five-week window, but it was business as usual for Hillman during a turbulent and trying season.
An injury derailed the reigning indoor and outdoor NCAA outdoor shot put champion the last several months. Instead of defending her title, Hillman’s senior season was spent rehabbing, wondering what was wrong and contemplating her future.
By clinging to a belief that she could be an elite thrower again, Hillman worked her way back, just in time for nationals, where she’ll look to repeat in the shot put this week.