2024 TOP STOREIS: Paul Catalanatto Wins National Title!

Dec 28, 2024

CATHLOIC'S PAUL CATALANATTO APPROACHES THE ARC AT THE 2024 LHSAA CLASS 5A MEET

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We are counting down the Top 15 stories in 2024. Today, we are on No. 4. If you miss an article, you can catch up by checking out the links at the bottom of this article.]

When you look up "Go big, or go home!" in the catch phrase thesaurus, you will find a picture of of LSU's Paul Catalanatto, who had his share of big moments in 2024.

It started right out of the gate with his Week No. 1 US No. 1 throw of 215 at the Catholic High Tip Off Meet. When MileSplit LA asked him about the performance, Catalanatto downplayed it and alluded to big things to come.

"It feels great to be No. 1, but I am not letting it get in my head," Catalanatto said back in early March. "I know that it means nothing to be No. 1 if you cannot back it up with more throws in more big meets."

It would not take him long to back it up as he would go to the historic Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays later in March and win with a huge effort of 232-11.5.

He would remain consistent for the remainder of the high school season, going undefeated, but it was his performance at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in June which puts Catalanatto at No. 4 for our top stories in 2024. He avenged his runner-up performance at the 2023 by winning the national championship with a throw of 232-11.5.

WATCH INTERVIEW!: Catholic National Champ, Paul Catalanatto!

For his efforts, Catalanatto was named the Gatorade Louisiana Track & Field Athlete of the Year. It was a well-deserved honor for the javelin thrower who gave us some big moments in 2024.