Johnson Wins NCAA Weight Throw Title

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Iowa track and field junior Ryan Johnson won the program’s first-ever weight throw NCAA title with a 25.64-meter mark on Friday at the Randal Tyson Center.

“We had an incredible first day at the NCAA Championships,” Iowa Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said. “I couldn’t be more proud of how we stepped up and competed today.”

Johnson’s throw set meet and facility records in the men’s weight throw, surpassing Daniel Reynolds’ record of 25.08 meters set in 2025. After being passed in the fifth round, Johnson launched a 25.64-meter throw to regain the lead and secure the title. His mark was two centimeters off his personal best. The Springboro, Ohio, native is now a two-time first-team All-American after placing third a season ago.

“Ryan had a great first throw to move into the lead and, even though he struggled in the next few rounds, he was still leading into the fifth round,” Woody continued. “He was challenged and moved to second place before stepping into the ring to launch a bomb for the meet record and NCAA title.”

This is Iowa’s first-ever men’s NCAA title in a throwing event and third indoor national title in program history. Rivaldo Marshall was the Hawkeyes’ last champion at the national indoor meet, winning the 800 meters in 2024. Iowa’s last men’s NCAA title from a field event came in 1998, when Bashir Yamini won the long jump.

“I am proud of Ryan and Coach Ray Robinson for their amazing season, going undefeated and bringing home the NCAA title with a championship record,” Woody added.

On the track, sprinters Kalen Walker and Darwin Jimenez punched their tickets to the finals of the 60 meters. Walker ran a school-record 6.50 to finish second in his heat and earn the automatic qualifier. Jimenez advanced on time with a 6.55 in heat two. Both Hawkeyes will compete in Saturday’s final at 4:40 p.m. (CT) and will vie to become Iowa’s first 60-meter champion.

“Kalen and Darwin both kept the momentum going with incredible races in the 60 meter prelims to punch their ticket to the finals tomorrow,” Woody said. “Kalen had the best start in his field and finished runner up in his heat with a new personal best. Darwin kept his composure and ran a monster finish to qualify for his first NCAA final. Both are hitting their stride at the perfect time.”

Sophomore Chioma Nwachukwu became an indoor All-American for the first time on Friday after placing 11th in the semifinals of the 400 meters. She earned second-team honors with a 51.84 and was just four-tenths off of a qualifying time. Nwachukwu became Iowa’s first women’s All-American in the 400 since Briana Guillory in 2019.

“Chioma ran tough today but just didn’t quite have enough to qualify for the finals,” Woody noted about Nwachukwu’s performance. “She is motivated to run a great leg on our 4x4 tomorrow night.”

Sophomore Emmanuel Njoku capped off an incredible season as a second-team All-American in the men’s long jump with a 7.46 meter jump. Njoku placed 14th in his NCAA Championships debut. He was Iowa’s first national qualifier and All-American in the long jump since James Carter Jr. in 2023.

“Emmanuel didn't have the best competition today, but he had an amazing indoor season,” Woody added. “I’m very proud of everything he’s accomplished coming off a knee injury and surgery last year.”

After day one of competition, the Iowa men are in fifth place with 10 points. 

Up Next: Darwin Jimenez and Kalen Walker will compete in the finals of the 60 meters at 4:40 p.m. (CT). The Iowa women’s 4x400 meter relay will compete at 6:40.

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s 60 Meter Semifinal
3. Kalen Walker - 6.50, Q, PR + 1st at Iowa
6. Darwin Jimenez - 6.55, q

Women’s 400 Meter Semifinal
11. Chioma Nwachukwu - 51.84

Men’s Long Jump Final
14. Emmanuel Njoku - 7.46 meters (25’ 5.75”)

Men’s Weight Throw Final
1. Ryan Johnson - 25.64 meters (84’ 1.50”), Meet & Facility Record