Jamaican thrower Ralford Mullings, more widely known for his dominance in the discus, stepped into the shot put ring at the Tyson Invitational on Saturday and delivered a third-place finish with a best effort of 18.91m.

Mullings, a senior at the University of Oklahoma, has built a reputation as one of Jamaica’s brightest throwing talents, particularly in the discus, where he threw beyond 69 meters in 2024. However, he demonstrated his versatility by competing against a strong field in the shot put. After fouling multiple times, he found his best mark on his final attempt, finishing behind Arizona’s Tyler Michelini, who won with 19.19m and Arizona State’s Brandon Lloyd, who threw 19.03m to claim second.

While Mullings was battling in the ring, Jamaica’s high jumpers were making their presence felt in the invitational event, delivering strong performances against a competitive field. Raymond Richards, showing fine early-season form, cleared 2.23m to finish in a tie for second place alongside American Vernon Turner.

Meanwhile, 2024 Paris Olympics finalist Romaine Beckford, continues to establish himself as one of Jamaica’s top jumpers clearing 2.20m (7-2½) to secure fifth place. The event was won by Arkansas freshman Scottie Vines, who soared to a personal best of 2.29m (7-6), claiming top honours in front of a supportive home crowd.