Coming off a successful summer, Bucknell student athlete Evelyn Bliss ’27 continues her post-season on one of the highest stages in track and field: the Athletics World Championships. “So many track and field athletes dream of representing their country in a competition,” throws coach Ryan Protzman said. “Evie loves stepping on the runway to represent the red, white and blue… Realistically, she is representing the United States, P.A., Bucknell, her teammates, her family and so many others who have helped and supported her along the way.”
The junior is not new to sporting the Team USA jersey. Bliss has been performing at an elite level since before her time as a Bison, where she won the USA Track and Field Under-20 Nationals in the javelin shortly before the fall of her freshman year. This success led her to compete on her first national team at the Under-20 PanAmerican Games in Puerto Rico. Since then, she has competed internationally in Peru, the Bahamas, Germany and soon, Tokyo. “I would say that the FISU Games in Germany this past summer was my favorite. Not only did I have an amazing meet with a new [personal record], but the group of people I met there really made the whole experience!” Bliss said. “I am very grateful for all the international meets I have gotten to compete in. I think that they all have helped me in some way or another when it comes to competing on such a big stage like that.”
The personal record Bliss had in Germany re-set her school record in the javelin to a whopping 199’-6”; the first school record she set was at the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds in Jacksonville, FL where she threw 187’-2”. However, it wasn’t until later in her season that she turned her eyes towards Tokyo. “If I remember correctly, it was after USA Nationals that Worlds really became a possibility. That was the most astonishing but also terrifying moment ever, to realize that I could actually make it.”
Bliss competed at the USA Track and Field Nationals shortly after Germany, where she not only re-performed some of her best marks, but took first to be crowned the current USATF national champion in women’s javelin. This victory allowed her to compete at the North and Central American Championships in the Bahamas. Her continued international success allowed her to qualify for the World Championships.
Bliss may be recognized nationally for her athletic valor, but she is also a student athlete who balances her season with academics. “I won’t say that it is easy. There are some days that I am very overwhelmed by everything, but I am lucky that, especially with Worlds, my professors have been very willing to work with me while I chase this dream of mine.” Bliss said. “Being a student athlete is a full-time job, but I think in season it’s easier to get things done because you only have a certain amount of time to put towards your academics and athletics.” The Bison has also made Academic All-Patriot League this past spring because of her strong academics. But despite the individualization that can come from a sport like track and field, Bliss still appreciates the support and community from her teammates and Bucknell family. “I am so, so blessed to be a part of this amazing team I have here. Especially yesterday, I got to see so many good luck messages from current and former teammates. Even at my biggest meets, I know that everyone is watching and supporting me, even from afar. I have never felt alone once and I always just want to give back all the support that has been given to me!” Bliss said.
The junior left for Tokyo on Wednesday, Sep. 10, to get ahead of the time difference and atmosphere of the meet. Coach Protzman will join her later in the week before she competes on Friday, Sep. 19 on the world stage. “I’m hopeful it makes people understand that anything is possible. Within the track and field team you see more people trying to make it to watch the javelin. Within the campus you see other teams, faculty and the campus community standing behind her. This is what makes Bucknell an amazing place.” Protzman shared. “The best in the world, and a 20-year-old with nothing to lose is going to make for a fun experience.”
