28 years. One throughline.
Founded as a javelin camp in 1997 with 35 athletes. Now a national network with Olympic medals, NCAA titles, and the daily-rep platform built on top.
“Maintain a positive mindset, create partnerships with a purpose, and always strive for significant outcomes.”Founders Rob Woosley & Tom Pukstys. Founded as Javelin Camp, 1997. 35 athletes in year one.
Twenty-eight years of work, condensed.
Sources: USA Throws Project staff page · LSU Sports · Texas A&M Athletics · Duke Athletics · LSWA · Gatorade Player of the Year archives · NSAF Project Javelin Gold · World Athletics · Olympedia · The Advocate, Tiger Rag, NOLA.com, Crescent City Sports, BR Proud, Times Leader.
The timeline.
- 1997
Javelin Camp founded
Rob Woosley and Tom Pukstys launch the camp with 35 athletes. Pukstys throws 87.12 m at Jena the same year.
- 2005
USATF national role
Pukstys becomes national coordinator for men's throws.
- 2018
Birmingham clinics begin
Pukstys moves to Hoover, AL and launches NSAF Project Javelin Gold.
- 2019
USA Javelin Project forms
A professional training group built in Birmingham for the Tokyo cycle.
- 2020
Flag bearer in Tokyo
Kara Winger competes at her fourth Olympics and is named US flag bearer for the closing.
- 2022
🥈 First US woman to medal in javelin at Worlds
Winger silvers in Eugene and sets the AR at 68.11 m in Brussels.
- 2024
Paris
Multiple alumni compete at Paris '24. USA Javelin Project crosses 22K Instagram.