Fifth place for Colantonio at World Youth Meet

Competing on the pressure-filled stage of the IAAF World Youth Championships, Bobby Colantonio came through with a stellar performance Friday night in Cali, Columbia.

On his final throw inside Olimpico Pascual Guerrero Stadium, the Barrington High junior unleashed a distance of 73.79 meters (242 feet, 1 inch) to secure fifth-place overall against the top throwers in the world. The event was won by No. 1 seed, Hib Piskunuv of Ukraine, who uncorked a best of 84.91m (278-7). In the prelims on Thursday, Colantonio had a qualifying distance of 72.69m (238-5.75).

In its nine-year history, the Barrington standout had the second best toss by an American at the World Youth meet. National record-holder Conor McCullough was fourth in 2007.