Randy Barnes pocketed a $50,000 bonus on Sunday when he broke the world record for the shot put by more than two inches in the Jack In The Box Invtational track and field meet.
The put of 75-feet-10 1/4 broke the record of 75-8 held by Ulf Timmerman of East Germany. Barnes, the 1988 Olympic silver medalist behind Timmerman, said he had been throwing well beyond the German's record in practice, including one toss of 77 feet.Barnes began his 1990 season with an effort of 73-1 in the Mount San Antonio Relays at Walnut, Calif., three weeks ago. His previous best in competition was 74-4 1/4.
In earning a $50,000 bonus offered for a world record in the shot by meet promoter Al Franken, the 6-5, 290-pounder out of Texas A&M gave the United States the record in the shot for the first time since 1976. The U.S. had dominated the event until 1968, but then Europeans became the premier shot putters in the world.
Barnes' series at UCLA was the best ever. After throwing 71-10, he set the world mark with his second attempt. He then threw 73-11 3/4, 73-7 1/2, 73-3 1/2 and 74-8 1/4.