Rice University Athletics
Photo by: Dale Mouton
Van der Westhuizen Crowned National Champion
6/12/2026 1:47:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
EUGENE – It came down to the final throws, but Mckyla Van der Westhuizen jumped from third to first to be crowned a National Champion in the javelin, joining a list of all-time elite athletes for Rice women's track and field Thursday evening at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
After opening with a throw of 59.23m to initially take the lead, Van der Westhuizen slid to second for the next four rounds. On the final round of throws, Van der Westhuizen fell to third before unleashing a school record throw of 60.87m to jump into the lead.
With one remaining competitor, the event's final throw also reached 60 meters, but fell short as Van der Westhuizen won the 16th national title in program history and is the 10th national champion athlete in program history.
Van der Westhuizen is the first national champion for Rice women's track and field in 24 years, when Allison Beckford won the 400m. She earned First Team All-American honors for a third consecutive season, finishing all four years with an All-American nod.
Julia Johannesdottir rounded out a stellar season in the 100m hurdles, finishing 23rd with a time of 13.33, earning All-American Honorable Mention recognition.
Post Meet Reaction - Head Coach Jim Bevan
"Mckyla's performance is one of the all-time clutch performances in the 47-year history of Rice track and field. She took the lead on her opening throw and then got passed to second for the next four rounds. She got passed again and then immediately threw a lifetime best with her back against the wall to take the lead and win. Truly an all-time clutch performance. I am so proud of Mckyla. She has been a true leader and had the best throwing series of her life tonight. Mckyla is one of the best javelin throwers in the world. I look forward to continuing to watch her in the future. Julia gained experience today at the national meet, which is an incredible pressure cooker for everyone. She came out and ran a solid race, capping off a great season. I'm proud of how much she has grown this year. I'm glad we have her for two more years. Mckyla gave me an incredible gift in my final season, our first national champion in 24 years. She followed two great throwers to also be a national champion in Regina Cavanaugh and Valerie Tulloch. I am also incredibly proud of Brek Christensen for all he has done, not only for Mckyla, but for all our throwers. He is a great person and a tremendous coach, and I am thankful to have had him here over the years."
RESULTS
Javelin
1. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen – 60.87m
100m Hurdle Prelims
23. Julia Johannesdottir – 13.33s
UP NEXT
Alice Taylor continues Rice's stay at the NCAA Championships tomorrow.
After opening with a throw of 59.23m to initially take the lead, Van der Westhuizen slid to second for the next four rounds. On the final round of throws, Van der Westhuizen fell to third before unleashing a school record throw of 60.87m to jump into the lead.
With one remaining competitor, the event's final throw also reached 60 meters, but fell short as Van der Westhuizen won the 16th national title in program history and is the 10th national champion athlete in program history.
Van der Westhuizen is the first national champion for Rice women's track and field in 24 years, when Allison Beckford won the 400m. She earned First Team All-American honors for a third consecutive season, finishing all four years with an All-American nod.
Julia Johannesdottir rounded out a stellar season in the 100m hurdles, finishing 23rd with a time of 13.33, earning All-American Honorable Mention recognition.
"Mckyla's performance is one of the all-time clutch performances in the 47-year history of Rice track and field. She took the lead on her opening throw and then got passed to second for the next four rounds. She got passed again and then immediately threw a lifetime best with her back against the wall to take the lead and win. Truly an all-time clutch performance. I am so proud of Mckyla. She has been a true leader and had the best throwing series of her life tonight. Mckyla is one of the best javelin throwers in the world. I look forward to continuing to watch her in the future. Julia gained experience today at the national meet, which is an incredible pressure cooker for everyone. She came out and ran a solid race, capping off a great season. I'm proud of how much she has grown this year. I'm glad we have her for two more years. Mckyla gave me an incredible gift in my final season, our first national champion in 24 years. She followed two great throwers to also be a national champion in Regina Cavanaugh and Valerie Tulloch. I am also incredibly proud of Brek Christensen for all he has done, not only for Mckyla, but for all our throwers. He is a great person and a tremendous coach, and I am thankful to have had him here over the years."
Javelin
1. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen – 60.87m
100m Hurdle Prelims
23. Julia Johannesdottir – 13.33s
Alice Taylor continues Rice's stay at the NCAA Championships tomorrow.
Players Mentioned
Multis
/ Women's Track & Field
Jumps/Multis
/ Women's Track & Field
Javelin
/ Women's Track & FieldWednesday, March 09
Saturday, December 04
Thursday, December 02