By Maggie Vanoni
UCLA junior Peter Simon has been dreaming about winning a Pac-12 Championship title for the past three years. That dream came true Saturday, as Simon won the title by throwing a personal best of 64 feet, 9¼ inches on the last throw of the men’s shot put.
“I have been dreaming about this not just for myself, but for the team,” said Simon. “I knew my last throw was my last chance, so I went for it and gave it everything I had. I knew the guys were going to come after me because I was leading, so I prepared myself to go after it and get it done.”
The Pac-12 title was not only a personal best, but also good enough to rank him seventh in the NCAA this season.
Simon started the day throwing 61-9, placing him early in front of the 15-competitor flight. His second throw of 62-3¼ kept him in the lead until USC junior Nicholas Ponzio’s fifth throw of 62-10 bumped him down to second. Simon out threw Ponzio in his last attempt by 10.75 inches.
“I knew it was going to take something big to win, and Simon had a good last throw,” said Ponzio. “I had a feeling I was going to be on the cusp, but I’m happy with my distance and it’s still a season best by far. Today I felt like I was finally able to get into my zone and focus, and it paid off.”
Ponzio took second place with a final throw of 63-10 ½, improving his 2017 season best by over 13 inches.
Simon, the Hungarian native and Pac-12 Champion, wants to qualify for the NCAA championships at NCAA regionals on May 25, and come back to Hayward in June.
“I have been to a lot of tracks around the world, but this is my favorite so far,” said Simon. “The whole Tracktown atmosphere, just makes everyone want to be the best. And that gives me a boost to break down mental barriers and compete.”
After college, he plans to take his collegiate experience back to his home country.
“Hopefully what I gain here in the four years, I am able to transport back to Hungary and get them back in the shot put where they are supposed to be,” said Simon. “I’m doing this for my country and it feels really good.”
