Tokyo Olympics 2020: Tom Walsh powers to Diamond League shot put win in Paris

Tom Walsh is on track for the Olympics following a big win in Paris.
Tom Walsh is on track for the Olympics following a big win in Paris. Photo credit: Photosport

Kiwi shot-put powerhouse Tom Walsh has collected his first Diamond League win of the year, with a stunning performance in Paris.

Walsh threw a whopping 22.44 metres for victory - his season's best.

The current world champion smashed his opposition, besting second-placed American Joe Kovacs by 33cm. 

Paris marked Walsh's first appearance since a third-place finish at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA, two months ago.

But two other New Zealand Olympic hopefuls weren't so impressive.

Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney didn't threaten the podium, as she continued her recovery from a long-term hamstring injury.

The 2016 Rio bronze medallist was unable to clear 4.25m in three attempts, well below her personal best of 4.94m, set in Germany last year.  

Distance runner Nick Willis also had a night to forget, finishing 14th in the 1500m. The 36-year-old finished seven seconds slower than Ugandan winner Ronald Musagala. 

The final Diamond League event of the season is scheduled for Brussels, Belgium, in two weeks.

Newshub.