DePaul track & field thrower Noelle Malkamaki competed at the U.S. Paralympic National Championship last Thursday in Miramar, Fla., claiming the national title in the shot put. Malkamaki, a DePaul junior, won the event with a throw of 12.18m, a national record in the shot put F46.
"Coming down to Nationals has been really exciting," said Malkamaki. "I've extended my season by about a month now, so I'm really grateful to have the opportunity for a long competitive season."
Malkamaki wrapped up action with the Blue Demons at the BIG EAST Outdoor Championships back on May 14 in Storrs, Conn. With the trip to Florida for the National Championships, Malkamaki was coming off a collegiate outdoor season that saw her set a pair of personal bests in the shot put and discus.
"It's always such a great experience to compete with other adaptive athletes, especially at this level," said the Decatur, Ill. native. "I've loved connecting with new people and forming relationships with them. Being a national champion is an unreal feeling and the support I've gotten from the DePaul community and my hometown is so touching."
Malkamaki plans to get back to work this summer to prepare for the next season with the Blue Demons. Along with her training efforts at the collegiate level, Malkamaki is in the process of furthering her opportunities in the paralympic competition realm.
"I'm currently in the process of taking steps forward and I can't wait to share more about that soon," said Malkamaki.
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