Winger’s bid for ninth national title falls short

DES MOINES, Iowa — Kara Winger’s bid for a third consecutive U.S. championship in the women’s javelin fell short Friday.

The Skyview High School graduate, an eight-time U.S. champion in the event, placed second to Ariana Ince. Winger’s best mark was 195 feet, 11 inches with Ince winning at 200-4.

Winger led the competition for the first four of six rounds, making her best throw in the third round.

But Ince posted her best mark in round 5, and Winger could not surpass it.

“Really liked my warmups today bud didn’t do same thing when it counted,” Winger tweeted. “Congratulations to one of my favorite humans @arince. Can’t wait to represent (the United States) with you again.”

Ince and Winger will compete in the world championships in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Alexa Efraimson of Camas did not qualify for the finals of the women’s 1,500 after finishing seventh in her heat — 12th overall — with a time of 4 minutes, 12.35 seconds.