Consistency and Replication. Those are the two things upon which former Texas State record-setting thrower T'Mond Johnson has focused while preparing for the USA Olympic Trails on June 18-27.
 
Johnson qualified for the Olympic Trials on May 8 when he threw the shot put a career-best 20.87 meters (68' 5"). His distance ranks 10th among the USATF leaders through June 10.
 
"We have that throw under our belt," said Johnson. "If we can replicate it, we can make the finals in June at the Olympic Trials, and then...anything can happen."
 
The six-time Sun Belt Conference shot put champion and NCAA qualifier joined the ranks of the top 20 USATF throwers last September when he improved his personal best to 19.93 meters (65 feet, 4 inches).
 
Then, he recorded his Olympic Trial qualifying mark on May 8. His final tune-up for the Olympic Trials came May 28-29 when he won both shot put competitions at the Ironwood Throws Classic in the Iron Wood Throwing Center at Rathdrum, Idaho.
 
Now, Johnson has just three throws on June 18 for a chance to advance to the finals later that day.
 
"That is how it is at the Olympics or any World competition," Johnson said. "You have to get it done in those three throws so you can recuperate, regroup and come back in the afternoon. Then, you focus on the task at hand of trying to throw as far as you can. There will be some nerves, but as long as I focus on my training and the things I can control, I should be ready to roll."