The journey of the field event athletes at KU

Track and field is often known for athletes breaking sprint records, or conquering the mile. Yet, there’s another side to the sport, the field events. Athletes who specialize in events like discus, long jump, shot put, and more bring a unique perspective, dedicating their time and energy to mastering the challenges off the track. Field events bring a new perspective to many athletes carrying a vast of differences from the training, mindset, and day to day. 

Kathryn Meecahm, a freshman thrower at the University of Kansas has participated in several different sports from softball, basketball, and golf, and found her love for track and field in middle school. She explains that the love for track and field, specifically throwing, came from the people. Her favorite memory being on the bright green field during a busy meet having spectators watch and cheer her on knowing that her competitor next to her is also rooting for her to throw far.

Mecham said “ While it's a competition you are only going to do your best, and if someone else’s best is better than you are happy for them and you strive to become better.”

With the growing support by Kathryn's side there has always been love in the sport. But with the support there also came a stigma as well. Field events known for being more physical when it comes to upper body strength tends to place a stigma on body types and physical appearance for field athletes. 

Meecham said “The stigma I usually see is at an early stage when the coaches assign the athletes based on their size.” adding “It's interesting to watch how that changes as the athletes mature and come into their own.”

Many athletes who deal with body image stereotypes struggle when it comes to fitting a certain mold that society has made for certain sports. With this stigma can also come mental health blocks which will end up affecting performance and long term success. When it comes to field events the mental block focuses more on the habits of form or technique. Overcoming these mental blocks can be hard for many based on the support you are provided. With the mental blocks many athletes have the opportunity to do what they can to overcome and persevere through the mentality. 

Alexy Salas a discus thrower at KU said “Fixing the mental blocks starts with going to see an athletic counselor or therapist at KU and talking to your coaches.”

At KU they help athletes by providing several different paths to helping mental blocks from a supportive coaching staff and environment to providing well trained professionals to help all athletes walk through any mental health struggles. 

Beyond the Stigmas of field events many athletes overcome and succeed in such high technique and difficult sports. The University of Kansas just completed their 2025 indoor Big 12 Championship, and the field events showed out, with record breaks from pole vaulter Mason Meinershagan. To several athletes standing on the podium like Madelin Frey who placed fifth overall in shot put, and Dillion Peters who placed 7th in the triple jump. 

Growing up in track and field comes with community and perseverance and many KU track and field athletes have overcome with the support of each other and the love for the sport. 

Meecham said “I have seen throwing give opportunities to young athletes that have not fit the ideal mold of other sports. In throwing they find their place and can succeed if they are willing to work hard.”

Track and field has molded athletes to look beyond just the sport and find the community that surrounds them. It is safe to say that the University of Kansas provides that support and helps their field athletes by providing support but also showing that a good athlete comes with an even better work ethic.