SIOUX FALLS — The top shot putter in the nation hails from Hayti, South Dakota. 

Hamlin junior thrower Gracelyn Leiseth unleashed a shot put toss of 52-feet and 6.75 inches, defending her Class A title at the state track and field meet. It’s not only the top throw in state history, but it’s also currently the best shot put mark in the nation. 

“I just want to thank my family and friends and my teammates for being so supportive and thank god for the abilities that I have to do this,” Leiseth said.  

Leiseth’s massive throw was just over seven-feet further than her winning throw last season. It was also just over seven-feet further than Custer’s Kellyn Kortemeyer, who placed second at 45-2. 

It added another chapter in the rivalry between Kortemeyer and Leiseth, who have regularly competed against each other the past couple of seasons. On Friday, Kortemeyer hit a meet record in the discus throw (165-11) and Leiseth was just behind in second place at 160-11.

Leiseth said competing against Kortemeyer, who will throw at the University of Nebraska, brought out the best in her. 

On Saturday, Leiseth hit the nation’s top mark in Flight 3 and said everything came together perfectly for her on the throw. 

“It just felt really good,” Leiseth said. “My footwork felt super good and I just finished on that shot and got my PR of three feet.” 

She added it was special to achieve the mark at the state meet, even if she admitted she was initially nervous. 

“The first throw was a little nerve racking,” Leiseth said. “You just have to get that first one out there to get you into finals and after that usually I am pretty relaxed.”

She also praised the tough field of Class A throwers. The field also included her teammate Kami Wadsworth, who finished third at 41-8.25.

“We are definitely pretty close,” Leiseth said. “So that’s always awesome to have another teammate right by your side.”