In most other states that have the hammer throw, South Kingstown’s Mahlik Handley would be a state champion. Unfortunately for Handley, he often competed against the nation’s No. 2 thrower Charlie Ionata of Barrington. The Rebels’ standout weight-thrower finished off his high school career in 
grand style at the R.I. state meet. He had personal bests in the discus (134 feet, 2 inches) and the shot put (46-3.75). His biggest PB, however, came in his specialty when he unleashed the hammer a distance of 225-7 to place second behind Ionata. That throw moved him up to fifth in the national rankings. Handley earned All-American status in the hammer last year when he finished sixth at the New Balance National Outdoor Championship.
What would you consider the highlight of your high school career?
I believe the highlight of my career came this year at the Rhode Island State Outdoor Championships where I broke my personal best and school record in the Hammer throw with a throw of 225'7". It was such a great way to wrap up my high school career and I'm glad it ended on a high note.
What was your most memorable performance?
My most memorable moment came last year at the New Balance Outdoor Championships where I finished sixth in the hammer throw and became an All-American. At first it didn't hit me until I finally stepped on the podium and was noticed as an All-American.
What was your most difficult obstacle to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was trying to learn the technique in the hammer because without good technique you'll never be able to throw far.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
The advice I would give to younger athletes would be to stick with it. It's going to be tough; no doubt about it. But the good hammer throwers are able to persevere and stick with it.
What will you miss most?
I think what I'll miss the most about high school track is my teammates and all the competitors that I have made friends with but I know I'll see some of those competitors in college next year because they're that good.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to continue to throw the hammer at the University of Rhode Island and I hope to become one of the top throwers on the team.
What influence has your coach (or coaches) had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches Pat Egan and Gerry Lynch have done so much for me in these four years of high school track. Whether it was Gerry giving me rides to big meets or giving me critical life lessons to Pat never giving up on me and always showing up to practice to help me no matter how bad I was struggling and I'd like to thank both of them for that.
Who would you like to say Thank You?
I would like to give thanks to God because without him none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank John Barth who would work with me on Sundays to perfect my craft. I'd like to finally thank my parents for being the best parents in the world and without them I would have never tried out for the track team and have never found out my talents in the hammer throw.