World rank ‘still hasn’t sunk in’ for discus thrower

Steven Melendez // Contributing Writer

Making a good first impression isn’t the easiest thing to do, but that is not the case for track and field standout Gabrielle Rains.  

She began her collegiate career in Discus throwing by setting a career-best mark and school-record of 53.10m at the University Miami Hurricane Invitational in Coral Gables on March 19.

Rains is ranked 4th in the world among U-20 Discus throwers, and she said she’s still in unbelief about her ranking.

“It’s amazing. Honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in,” Rains said. “A friend of mine was telling me that I am at that level, but I still don’t see myself there.”

To top off her many accomplishments, Rains also set a new Canadian record surpassing the previous distance of 52.52m set by Michelle Brotherton on May 29, 1986, a record that was held for 31 years. She said she is definitely trying to show everyone she means business.

“There was a lot of build up all year to that moment, so I wanted to prove myself that the work I put in all year was going to pay off,” Rains added. “I didn’t want anyone to underestimate me and I wanted to show what I can do.”

Gabrielle Rains also added she has a lot of goals that she wants to accomplish in her life. One goal includes defeating her idol, Sandra Petrovic from Croatia, a country northeast of Italy. Petrovic is one of the greater Discus throwers in the world.

“I really want to beat her,” Rains said. “She’s a lot older than me, but I really look up to her.”

Rains has already performed in two international meets, and she said her motivation comes from the long-term goals she hopes to accomplish.

“That was the best time of my life and I really want to do that again,” Rains said. “I keep searching for more big meets and looking at the standards that will get me there because it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.”

1 Comment on "World rank ‘still hasn’t sunk in’ for discus thrower"

  1. great article, on a great athletic

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