Bliss Wins Gold at the NACAC Senior Championships

FREEPORT, THE BAHAMAS- United States women's javelin champion Evelyn Bliss entered the 2025 NACAC (North American, Central American, and Caribbean Association) Senior Championships knowing she needed to place in the top three and hit 57 meters to provide herself with a credible opportunity at breaking into the top 36 for the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With that pressure resting on her capable shoulders, Bliss, representing the United States, performed as she usually did in a tension-packed situation, by delivering a winning performance. She threw 58.62m (192-4) for the gold medal and passing the desired mark, positioning herself for inclusion.

"I am so grateful for the chance to compete here," said Bliss. "To walk away with the win I have to give all Glory to God!"

Results

Bliss started with a solid 51.84m (170-1) throw and followed up with a 54.70m (179-5) toss. She entered the third round in second place and uncorked her gold-winning heave moving her comfortably into the catbird seat. Her next two chances landed in the 170s. Her final chance faulted but it mattered not at all for the outcome.

"Evelyn winning the javelin was huge," said Bucknell throws coach Ryan Protzman. "She continues to impress and show experience beyond her years. The last couple of meets she has had to make adjustments to bring home gold. She's elite in so many ways."

Bliss faced fierce competition in fellow American Madison Wiltrout, a thrower currently sitting in 33rd in the world rankings. Wiltrout won silver, tossing 58.33m (191-4) which likely sealed her ticket to Tokyo. The fellow American led through the first two rounds and nearly overtook Bliss in the final round with her 58.33 throw. Silver has become a familiar medal for Wiltrout as she also finished second to Bliss at the 2025 USATF Outdoor National Championships.

The Bison thrower entered the meet sitting at 47th with 1075 points. The point system is a labyrinth of confounding factors and situations, with the only clear cut way for entry is hitting the standard mark of 64 meters, but insiders have revealed that regional competitions like the NACAC Senior Championships provide an extra boost. The newest rankings will be released on August 16. The final day for qualification is August 24.

"I've done some math and have her right around 34 or 35, but we will see on Wednesday," said Protzman. "It is hard with other athletes in that 35-50 range competing to bump their rankings up. Evie has competed relatively healthy besides being slightly beat up during the US National Championships, so if she can get in, there are bigger throws in her arm."

Bucknell had another thrower present at the competitions. Prizila Negrete, representing the Five Stars of Honduras, competed in the discus throw. She threw 39.49m (129-6) to finish seventh. She was scheduled to participate in the shot put tomorrow but the incoming hurricane scorched the plan. The experience should pay dividends in the upcoming campaign.

"I thought my season was over, so just being out here and getting the opportunity to throw with some of the best is something I'll carry with me as I look to have the best junior year I can," said Negrete.

"Prizila competed against some elite level ladies in the discus," said Protzman.

Now Bliss and the Bucknell community will wait to see if she will earn the golden ticket to the 2025 World Athletics Championships on September 13-21. Even if Bliss' point total falls short, her 2025 summer proved magical by winning the United States national championship and minting silver at the FISU World University Games along with Saturday's golden performance.

Protzman provided the night's final commentary. "I think we are just going to take the time until the window closes to reflect on how great this year has been. If it is meant to be, we will be in Tokyo next month."

Bliss Wins Gold at the NACAC Senior Championships

Players Mentioned

Evelyn Bliss

Prizila Negrete

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