TAMPA, Fla. – Purdue wrapped up its opening day of the 2026 outdoor season with nine top eight finishes, including seven by the throwers.
Men’s Notes
• In his collegiate outdoor debut, Seamus Malaski entered Purdue’s record book at No. 9 in the shot put (18.51m / 60-08.75) and finished as the runner-up. He also finished sixth in the hammer throw (61.86m / 202-11).
• Leo Maxwell set a new personal best in the hammer throw (64.15m / 210-05) to finish fourth in a stacked USF Alumni Invitational field. He increased his No. 8 mark in school history.
• Joel Gates finished seventh in the shot put (16.63m / 54-06.75), while Jack Harmon finished in the hammer throw (59.18m / 194-02) in his collegiate debut.
• Victory Achakpoekri finished 11th in the 200m with a wind-aided 21.01 (+2.8).
Women’s Notes
• Britannie Johnson increased her No. 7 shot put mark in school history after she threw 15.59m (51-01.75) and finished fourth. She added an eighth-place finish in the hammer throw (53.20m / 174-06).
• Alexia Smith ran 23.78 in the 200m into a headwind to finish seventh. She fell just 0.04 seconds shy of entering Purdue’s top 10.
• Jila Vaden jumped 5.86m (19-02.75) to finish sixth in the long jump.
• Shadae Thompson made her collegiate outdoor debut and finished 17th in the 200m in a wind-legal 24.17. She was the fourth-highest freshmen finisher.
Next Up
Purdue concludes the USF Alumni Invitational on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. ET.
