GREENSBORO, N.C. – Josh Pelletier picked the biggest meet of his life to unleash the best throw of his career.

The 2009 Lewiston High School graduate and Class A state champion in the javelin finally broke the 190-foot barrier. Pelletier placed fifth Friday at the Nike Outdoor Nationals for high school athletes on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University.

A total of 31 athletes from across the nation competed in the javelin.

Competing in the second of three flights, Pelletier joined the elusive 190-foot club on his first throw, which sailed 193 feet, 6 inches. His second throw was also measured at 193-6. Pelletier’s throw was the longest among all the competitors in the second flight.

He failed to improve his mark in the finals and ended up missing fourth place by 18 inches.

Pelletier broke his own school record at Lewiston by more than eight feet.

Devin Bogert of Texas won the competition at 208-3. The top three javelin throwers all surpassed 204 feet.