Brooks in top 5 for USA heptathlon

( Robert Black, via Arkansas Athletics )Taliyah Brooks competes during the USA Championships heptathlon competition at John McDonnell Field on Friday, May 6, 2022, in Fayetteville.FAYETTEVILLE — Getting coached by a two-time Olympic gold medalist helped Taliyah Brooks set a personal best in the shot put Friday at the USA Championships heptathlon competition at John McDonnell Field.

Brooks, a former University of Arkansas All-American who continues to live and train in Fayetteville, had a best mark of 42 feet, 11 3/4 inches in the shot put to help her be in fourth place through 4 of 7 events with 3,662 points.

Ryan Crouser, the Olympic winner in the shot put for the 2016 and 2020 Games as well…