This year was the first year that Andes Central/Dakota Christian participated in the javelin track and field event. The javelin throw became a sanctioned event for South Dakota high school track and field in 2022. This year marked the first time that South Dakota would have a female state javelin champion; for the boys it was the first year since 1929 that a javelin title would be awarded. The javelin that the boys throw weighs 1.76 pounds and is 8 feet 6.4 inches long as opposed to the javelin that the girls throw which weighs 1.3 pounds and is 7 feet 2.6 inches long. In this inaugural year, the Andes Central/ Dakota Christian track team had two boys and four girls who competed in the event this season. Of the six competitors, one, Madilyn Janis made it to the Class B State Track Meet.

Madilyn Janis was a freshman this 2023-2024 track season. She is the daughter of Josh and Marlene Janis. As this is the first year that ACDC has been participating in the javelin event, this was Madilyn’s first year throwing. Madilyn first became interested in the event because as an eighth grader she had thrown the shot put a bit and thought why not try the javelin throw. Even before the season began, Madilyn knew that she was going to be entering the javelin throwing event. Her parents took her to North Dakota for a javelin throwing camp that taught her the basics. She then took the skills that she learned at the camp and began working at home on her technique. Both her track coach and her father, were instrumental in helping Madilyn perfect her form.

The way the javelin throw event works is similar to shot put and discus. At a meet, each competitor gets three or four throws depending on whether or not there will be finals. Lanes are outlined in the grass and a competitor has to stay within the lanes and not cross the throwing line in order to have their throw count. Because it is only the first year, the competitors are able to just stand and throw the javelin. Normally a competitor would take a running approach before throwing the javelin.

Madilyn has really enjoyed throwing the javelin this year. She finds it fun to compete against different schools and meet new people. Madilyn qualified for the state track meet in the javelin throw. She placed seventh and had her best throw at the state meet of 103 feet 8 inches. The best part of the event for Madilyn was the feeling of letting the javelin go and seeing it fly. For Madilyn, the most challenging part is staying positive after a bad throw. Madilyn enjoyed this year and will definitely be throwing again year. Other events that Madilyn has participated in for the ACDC track team include running various relays, long jump, 400 m dash, and 800 m run.

Congratulations Madilyn on your 7th place finish at the Class B State Track Meet and thank you for sharing some insight on the javelin throwing event.