The NCAA Division I outdoor track and field championships are taking place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, bringing together top collegiate athletes competing for team and individual honors across running, jumping, and throwing events.
Colorado State's Mya Lesnar captured the women's shot put title on Thursday with a dominant performance. Her opening throw of 62 feet 4.5 inches established the winning mark on her first attempt and remained unmatched throughout the competition. Illinois' Abria Smith came closest with a best effort of 61 feet 10.25 inches. Lesnar also recorded the second-best throw of the day at 61 feet 11 inches, demonstrating her control and consistency in the circle.
The victory marked Lesnar's second NCAA title. She won the indoor championship earlier in 2024 and now stands as a four-time first-team All-American. At age 24, Lesnar became the first Colorado State athlete in two decades to win an outdoor national title, joining hammer thrower Loree Smith from 2005. "This one means a lot," Lesnar said after her win. "It's taken a lot of work to get back to No. 1."
Lesnar transferred to Colorado State from Arizona State and has developed into one of the nation's premier collegiate throwers under coach Brian Bedard. She entered the championships as the top seed nationally and finished sixth at the Paris Olympics last summer. Her personal best of 64 feet 3.75 inches would have earned a bronze medal at those Games.
The 24-year-old senior is the daughter of Brock Lesnar, the former UFC and WWE champion. Her father won the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship in 2000 while competing for the University of Minnesota. In a dramatic finals match, the elder Lesnar escaped from the down position in double overtime to secure a 3-2 victory, capping a 50-2 record that launched his career across multiple sports.
The opening day of women's finals produced several standout performances beyond Lesnar's achievement. Georgia's Stephanie Ratcliffe successfully defended her NCAA hammer throw title with a throw of 234 feet 2 inches. Washington's Hana Moll established a new collegiate record in the pole vault by clearing 15 feet 8.5 inches, surpassing the previous mark held by her twin sister Amanda. New Mexico freshman Pamela Kosgei set a new meet record in the 10,000 meters with a time of 31 minutes 17.02 seconds.
Multiple universities continue competing throughout the multi-day event. LSU participated in opening day action, while Florida is among the programs seeking championship trophies. Boston College athlete Mateo Bianchi concluded his season at the championships as competition progresses through the remaining events.