Equipment woes cost Gilreath world record in Boston

Improper equipment cost Erin Gilreath the longest women's weight throw in history at the US indoor championships in Boston, Massa-chusetts on Friday.

The 24-year-old Gilreath heaved the 20-pound weight 24.46 metres on her third throw to surpass her previous world best of 24.23 in the infrequently contested event.

When officials re-measured the weight, however, they found it was too long, thus nullifying her performance for record purposes.

"The weight was certified prior to (the competition)," said meet referee Rita Somerlot.

"It was the right weight and the right length.

"When it was re-certified (after the record throw) it was too long in overall measurement.

"It will not count as the American record (or world best). It does count as the winning mark."

AG Kruger won the men's weight throw with a heave of 23.47 metres.

Many top athletes are skipping this weekend's three-day event because there are no world indoor championships this year.

Leading athletes would traditionally qualify for the worlds through the US championships.