EUGENE — The moment does not appear too big for Jaida Ross, even if she admits to being mildly distracted by the spectacle of it all.

The Oregon Ducks shot-putter, NCAA champion and collegiate record-holder comfortably advanced to the finals at the U.S. Olympic trials on Friday, finishing third (63-10 ¼, 19.46) in the first round of women’s shot put with 12 spots available in the final.

“The vibes are great,” Ross said. “Always love having family in there. Get some waves going. Say hi to everyone. I felt good today. A little nervous on that first throw but got that second throw.”

Ross said she found herself watching some of the sprinting events between throws. A mistake and unnecessary distraction, she said, but understandable for a 22-year-old on the biggest stage of her life.

On Saturday, Ross said she will sequester herself from everything — including family — to lock in for the new biggest stage.

Ross’s best throw of the day Friday was her second and final one: 63 feet, 10 ¼ inches (19.46 meters). Her first was 61 feet, 4 ¼ inches (18.7 meters), below the standard Ross set for herself but one she chalked up to nerves.

That throw still would have qualified by a full meter even if it ended up being her best. The last spot in the final went to Mya Lesnar (58-1, 17.7).

“It speaks to my consistency, my confidence, my planning,” Ross said. “It’s a little surreal, but I trust my coach. When he says, ‘pass,’ we pass. I’m really competitive, so I wanted a third throw. I had a big warmup, and I wanted to chase that. But saving it for tomorrow. It feels good.”

If Ross does have more in the tank — as she proved in May with that collegiate record 20.01-meter throw — she could challenge the meet record of 66 feet, ¼ inches (20.12 meters) set by Jessica Ramsey in 2021. And perhaps end up in the range of the world-leading mark of 20.68 meters set by Canada’s Sarah Mitton in May.

Ross said she has never felt stronger than at this moment. And she is in awe of the high-level athletes she is competing alongside.

“I used to study these women,” Ross said. “I used to look up to these women. I still do. Really idolized these women. So being able to compete with them is amazing. I can’t say it enough: I’m just grateful to be here.”

The women’s shot put final is set for 5:50 p.m. Saturday at Hayward Field.

-- Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference for The Oregonian and co-hosts the Soccer Made in Portland and Ducks Confidential podcasts. He can be reached at rclarke@oregonian.com or @RyanTClarke.

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