Brittany Riley is now one step closer to competing in the Olympics.

Riley claimed first place in the hammer throw Saturday at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Indianapolis.

Riley’s best throw was 72.41 meters.

Head Coach Connie Price-Smith said the event was a selective meet for the Pan American games which take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Because Riley finished in the top two, she will go on to compete in the Pan Am Games on July 23. The Pan Am games are the second largest event next to the Olympic Games, Smith said.

Five juniors from the SIU track and field team went to Indianapolis to compete in the USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Smith said participating in events that represent many countries will help Riley’s future in track and field competitions.

“She has competed at the Junior Pan Am Games, so she has had world experience and the more experience she can get will help her be better prepared for Olympic year,” Smith said.

D.E. Writer Eugene Clark can be reached at [email protected] or (618) 536-3311 ext 269