Husker Maddie Harris wins USA javelin title with record-breaking throw

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska track and field’s Maddie Harris won the national javelin title Thursday at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Oregon.

Harris recorded a personal-best throw of 199 feet and 3 inches (60.73m) to capture the national gold medal.

“60 meters has ultimately been the goal, like 60 meters plus, like all year, and I knew I was able to do it,” Harris said. “I think everyone was just so happy and excited that I finally did do it.  I’m just happy it happened at USAA’s, it was such a good environment and to have my teammates there.”

Harris said she’s been training to put together a cluster of good throws at practice and it paid off.

“My whole goal for like this meet was to like build off of my throws,” Harris said.  “Have a good throw and then be able to continue to throw further throughout the competition, because all year I’ve been able to throw far but then it’s been hard for me to throw again, like match that throw. I felt like I did a good job of staying calm during the meet and just like trusting that I knew what changes to make after each throw.”

Harris now owns the Nebraska school record and the No. 6 collegiate all-time mark.

She also beat out former Husker and current volunteer coach Maggie Malone, who threw 192-10 (58.79m) during her collegiate career.

Harris is also a two-time Big Ten javelin champion and two-time All-American for the Huskers. She finished in fourth place at this year’s NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Harris credits much of her success to the newly named head coach, Justin St. Claire, who previously served as the team’s interim head coach.

“I’ve loved every moment that Justin’s been here and been my coach, and I’m really grateful he came to Nebraska,” she said. “I think it definitely changed my throwing career for the better and the people that he’s brought with him, it gives you a different, like, outlook on the sport.”

The celebrating won’t last long as Harris has her sights set on making it onto a world team.  She is looking for other meets to compete at to get her world ranking up and qualify.

Track and field wasn’t always her only sport, Harris actually committed to play softball at Purdue during her junior year of high school.

But she eventually fell in love with javelin and decided on coming to Nebraska.

“I’m glad I’m at Nebraska. I’m glad I’m a Cornhusker,” she said.