NATIONAL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

January 2012
Kara Patterson | Chula Vista, California

Event: Javelin Throw
Born: 04/10/86
High School: Skyview HS (Vancouver, Wash.) 
College: Purdue '09

Career Highlights: Four-time USA Outdoor champion ('08, '09, '10, '11); 2009 NCAA runner-up; Two-time BCAA All-American

Kara Patterson continued her dominance of women's javelin in the United States by winning her fourth consecutive national title in 2011. At the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships, she improved Kim Kreiner's American record with her winning toss of 66.67m/218-9. Patterson burst onto the national scene in 2008 when she won Olympic Trials with a mark of 58.44m/191-9 and earned a spot on her first Olympic team. At the 2008 Big Ten Championships, Patterson secured her second conference title and shattered the Big Ten record and the Boilermakers' all-time record with her heave of 61.56m/202-0, It was the top throw by an American  in 2008, the second longest in NCAA history, and placed her second on the U.S. all-time list behind American record-holder Kim Kreiner. Patterson redshirted the 2007 season. In 2006, Patterson won her second straight NCAA Mideast Regional javelin championship with a throw of 51.16 meters, advancing to the NCAA Outdoor Championships where she finished 26th. She capped off her 2005 season by winning the silver medal at the Pan Am Junior Championships with a launch of 50.26m/164-11. Patterson won the 2005 NCAA Mideast Regionals and Big Ten Championships meets. In high school, Patterson was a four-year varsity letter winner in swimming, basketball and track and field, as well as a three-time javelin state champion.

Source: http://www.usatf.org/

Nominations 

StrengthUSA.com's National Athlete of the Month honors those individuals who have become the pinnacle of today's athletic world, exemplifying remarkable strength and courage. To nominate an athlete, please send a professional-like headshot and/or action photo, with a profile detailing athletic accomplishments, to contact@strengthusa.com. Our national athletes are not limited solely to professional sports, as all types of amateurs, including high school athletes, are eligible. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.