PHOTO PROVIDED Bucknell's Evelyn Bliss represented Bucknell and the United States at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany by taking silver in the women's javelin in this photo by Bucknell Athletics.

RHINE-RUHR, GERMANY- Evelyn Bliss represented Bucknell and the United States on the international stage at the 2025 FISU World University Games by winning silver in the women’s javelin. The rising junior led most of the event but was surpassed in the final round by the eventual winner, Esra Turkman.

“Having the opportunity to compete at the FISU World University games is something I will always remember,” said Bliss. “The milestones I hit here in Germany are some I will remember in my career forever. Having broke 60m and finishing with a silver medal is more that I thought I would be able to do here competing against older girls. I am forever grateful and blessed to have been apart of this team and to have met the people who made this trip so memorable.”

Bliss entered third in the start list and her best throw of the evening arrived in the first flight. The Bucknell thrower uncorked a massive toss of 57.37m (188-2), which rocketed her into first place and positioned her there until the ante-penultimate throw. The throw ranked second-best in her career.

As the sixth and final round proceeded and the favorites and numerous challengers fell short, Bliss’ gold medal seemed safe. Until Turkman, representing Turkey and two and a half years older than Bliss, hurled a personal best toss of 59.90m (196-5) to seize the lead. Bliss, throwing last in the final flight, had the opportunity to return the favor but her throw grabbed too much air and finished at 51.57m (169-1). 

Bliss posted good results in the second and third rounds, tossing 56.94m (186-8) and 56.63 (185-7). She purposely stepped across the line to disqualify her fourth attempt. Her fifth chance flew 53.89m (176-8).

The weekend proved fruitful for Bliss. She reset her school record yesterday in the qualifying round, throwing 60.81m (199-5). The distance also ranks first among Americans in 2025 and tenth in USA history. 

“Awesome competition for Evelyn in Germany,” said Bucknell throws coach Ryan Protzman. “It was a well-earned medal today. She hit a big throw out of the gate and it held on until the last few throws of the competition. I thought it was impressive the way she reset after yesterday’s personal record in the qualifying round. It is easy to get caught up in that throw, but she quickly moved on, and focused on the final. To finish with the second-best throw of her life was a statement that she has really leveled up as a javelin thrower and competitor.”

Bliss’ summer continues next week with the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor National Championships in Eugene, Oregon on July 31-August 3. Hayward Field is Bliss’ second home, as the site serves as the base of the NCAA National Championships, Olympic Trials, and the U20 National Championships. All three events have seen some of Bliss’ best moments. Coach Protzman, a stabilizing figure, will be present to assist Bliss at the competition. 

The women’s javelin at the National Championships is on July 31.