US National Champion Evelyn Bliss Sets Facility & Meet Record in Javelin on Final Day of Penn Relays

Saturday, April 25

Philadelphia, Pa.

7 a.m.

Bucknell University

Penn Relays

Photo by: Isabelle Roes

US National Champion Evelyn Bliss Sets Facility & Meet Record in Javelin on Final Day of Penn Relays

4/25/2026 6:39:00 PM | Women's Track and Field

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- US National Champion Evelyn Bliss added another laurel to her already impressive mantle by setting the facility and meet record in the javelin throw on the final day of the Penn Relays. Bliss' victory earned the College's Women Field Performance of the Day and topped off a highly successful weekend for Bucknell at the historic competition, which included the school record in the distance medley relay on Friday.

Results

"Usually, my mind right now is on the league meet," said head coach Kevin Donner. "I don't think we are throwing Brylee or Evie if the league meet were next week but with the conference pushing back leagues by two weeks, it allowed us to attack the Penn Relays."

The Patriot League's decision was Bucknell's gain and the opposition's loss. Bliss, recently profiled by WNEP, and Tereska dominated the competition in a 1-2 punch and overcame the gloomy canvas and slicing wind. The reigning US National Champion threw 57.31m (188-0) in her first attempt, which immediately shattered the meet record of 56.46m (185-2) set by TCU's Irene Jepkemobi last year, whose crown was indeed short-lived.

Bliss' next three throws were solid but not as far as her current 2026 attempts. She regained form in her fifth attempt with a heave of 55.46m (181-11). Her best mark arrived in the final throw. The healthy contingent, which included a large dose of Orange & Blue supporters, started the traditional slow clap. Bliss drew upon the extra reserve of petrol and unleashed a massive throw. The javelin tailed off to the right but hugged the line and stayed fair. The measurements were made and the result of 59.35m (194-8) flashed upon the board. That mark broke the facility record of 58.56m (192-1) established 29 years ago on this day by Lynda Lipson-Blutrich, a three-time United States national champion.

Bucknell's supporters exploded in jubilant celebration - among the crowd included Bucknell's 1976 National Champion Thomas McLean, serving as an event official, who made sure he had the chance, to see his fellow Bison title-holder, perform. The duo posed afterwards for a championship-caliber photo.

"Going into the meet, I knew that I'd had a shot at breaking the record," said Bliss. "My first throw, it felt clean, it felt good. I was able to go it off of it. Brylee and I both talked about how we wanted to compete better into our final rounds. We both tend to pop big throws early, but hitting another big throw in the finals for my last throw. I was really excited with it."

Tereska consistently hit on her throws with every mark higher than 43 meters. She started with two strong attempts - 45.92m (150-8) and 46.69 (153-2) - before her next three tries resided in the 140-foot range. Like her teammate, Tereska unveiled her best distance in the final opportunity. Her sixth throw flew 47.77m (156-8) to grab second place from Liberty's Isabella Frattura.

"It felt good and I am glad we got it done before the rain came, but it felt good in the beginning," said Tereska. "A little rocky towards the middle of the throws, and I'm glad I was still able to have that goldfish mindset and still attack at the last throw and throw far."

Throws coach Ryan Protzman complimented his veteran throwers on not allowing the day's imperfect weather to impact their mission:

"They took a not spectacular day and made the most of it. We talked a lot about just enjoying this Penn Relays, making the most of a good competition and just trying to perform. Last round they pulled out their bests and went 1-2. Awesome moment."

Bucknell heads to the Kehoe Twilight next Friday before resting for the Patriot League Outdoor Championships.