Nebraska’s Axelina Johansson produced a record-breaking performance to clinch gold in the women’s shot put at the 2026 Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
The Swedish star launched a massive throw of 19.97m (65-6¼) to shatter the Big Ten meet record and comfortably secure first place at the championship event. (huskers.com)
Johansson, already a six-time NCAA shot put champion, dominated the competition by nearly two metres with her winning mark. The achievement further strengthened her reputation as one of the leading collegiate throwers in the world this season.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a sensational 2026 campaign so far. Earlier this year, she won bronze at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland with a Swedish national record throw of 19.75m.
Johansson’s gold medal was part of a strong overall display by Nebraska at the Big Ten Championships. Teammate Mine De Klerk finished fourth in the women’s shot put with a mark of 17.36m, while Amelia Flynt secured sixth place and Jolina Lange finished eighth to add valuable points for the Huskers.
In the women’s high jump, Nebraska’s Karsyn Leeling claimed fourth after clearing 1.80m, while Ela Velepec tied for seventh with a jump of 1.77m. The Huskers also impressed in the men’s discus, where Kael Miedema, Brett Schwartz and Cade Moran all finished inside the top six.
The result left the Nebraska women fourth overall in the team standings after nine events, while the men’s squad occupied third place after six events at the championships.
Johansson’s latest achievement adds another milestone to an already remarkable collegiate career that has seen her become one of the most successful throwers in Nebraska athletics history.
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