Adam Nelson may be a shot putter, but he’s also the distance champion of the 2008 Millrose Games, held at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Nelson, the 2005 world shot put champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist, is an MBA student at the University of Virginia. On Feb. 1, his day began in Charlottesville, Va., where he caught an early-morning flight to New York. He then overcame any travel fatigue he experienced, defeated a strong field in the shot, and set a Millrose record with a toss measured at 72-feet, 5-inches (22.07 meters). Nelson also had the day’s second-best throw, 70-6 ¼. Former Millrose record-holder Christian Cantwell finished second in the event at 69-11 (21.33 meters) followed by reigning world champion Reese Hoffa at 69-4 (21.13 meters).

Nelson received well-deserved Athlete of the Meet honors for his achievement.

The idea of what Nelson can do when well-rested is exciting for U.S. track and field fans looking ahead to the Beijing Olympics, but perhaps not so thrilling for the other American shot put contenders who’ll compete with Nelson for spots on the three-man team at this summer’s Olympic trials.

Bernard Lagat’s victory in the Wanamaker Mile was another Millrose highlight. Lagat earned Team USA Athlete of the Meet honors for winning his sixth Wanamaker, with a time of 3:57.51. His winning effort sets the stage for a dramatic 2009 Millrose Games, when Lagat should have the opportunity to tie Eamonn Coghlan’s record of seven Wanamaker victories.