Yuri Sedykh, a two-time Olympic hammer gold medalist and world record-holder, talks to a generous gathering at the PCTA fieldhouse on Saturday. To the left of Sedykh, is RITCA president Bob Palazzo.
The Rhode Island Track and Field Coaches Association (RITCA) welcomed a very special guest on Saturday.
As part of its National Throws Coaches Association (NTCA) Hall-of-Fame weekend, two-time Olympic hammer throw champion and current world record-holder Yuri Sedykh was at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) fieldhouse in Providence, R.I. Sedykh, who represented the Soviet Union during his Olympic career, was a guest speaker inside the PCTA auditorium, talking to an eager crowd of 70-plus coaches, athletes and parents, about his thoughts on proper training techniques and philosophies concerning the hammer. The day also included a book signing and an Interactive Throwing Session with the Olympic legend.
The Hall-of-Fame weekend will conclude on Sunday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce the new NTCA Hall of Fame, which will be housed at the PCTA fieldhouse. The ceremony will feature several Hall-of-Fame members and Olympic medalists. There will also be a Breakfast Buffet (10 a.m.) followed by an Interactive Discus Throw and Shot Put Clinic (12-3 p.m.).
MileSplit RI had a chance to talk with Sedykh after his informative lecture. Among some of the things the world record-holder talked about was his Olympic success, his world record and why it still stands 30 years later and his advice to eager young high school throwers.
MileSplit RI also talked with the man who brought Sedykh to Rhode Island, RITCA president and Classical weight coach Bob Palazzo.