Photo by Joe Showker
Natalie Baird makes track fans who know nothing about the throwing events, appreciate and draw attention to events often neglected in the sport. Her form and technique is clearly on a whole another level of sophistication than her fellow high school competitors in Virginia. You do not even have to know what is the proper way to throw a discus or explain the technical aspects of the throws, but can simply just point to her and say "that is how you do it right".
Baird will be competing in her final VHSL State Championships this weekend at Harrisonburg High School. She will be the most decorated active high school state champion in Virginia this weekend. The William & Mary bound senior will be shooting for her fourth consecutive state title in the discus and third consecutive state title in the shot put. Few past throwers have maintained the consistent level of dominance within the state as Baird has since winning her first title as a freshmen in the discus.
Whil...