Minnesota Viking defensive end Brian Robison is vying for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track & Field team.  The former two-time Big 12 Champion shot-putter still holds the University of Texas record with a toss of 68 feet, 3 3/4 inches.  He also placed second in the NCAA Championships, and threw a career best 68-4 1/4 at the 2006 USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships, earning fourth place.

After being away from the sport for several years, while focusing on his day job of chasing opposing quarterbacks around NFL gridirons, the 6-3, 265-pounder returned to the ring this winter under the tutelage of University of Minnesota assistant coach  Lynden Reder.  His first competition came at the Tomcat Twilight meet at the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Robison threw an impressive 60-11 1/2, and won by more than five feet.

He will continue his training and competition in order to hone his skills, with plans to compete at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships in June.  In order to stay on track towards the 2012 Olympics, Robison will need to throw in the 63-65 foot range.  Having recently thrown 62-8 in practice, Robison seems to be on the right path.

[Source: StarTribune.com]

Tags: Robison, Shot Put, USA Track & Field