MARION, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo sophomore student-athlete Sydney Duncan kicked off her busy 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships with a strong performance in Hammer Throw, finishing six spots better than her seeding in the first of three throwing events she will compete in this week.

Entering the week seeded first in Shot Put, fourth in Discus, and 15th in Hammer Throw, Frankton product Sydney Duncan exceeded expectations Wednesday afternoon as she opened her busy three-day stretch with a ninth-place finish in Hammer.

After faulting on her first throw of flight one action, Duncan delivered her biggest throw of the day next, tossing it 52.62 meters to set a new PR and school record. With nine advancing to Finals and eight earning All-American honors, she found herself in eighth heading into Finals action. Unable to better her best mark of 52.62 meters in the Finals, Sydney finished ninth of 20 competitors.

Head Coach Josh Colvin had this to say when asked about Sydney's performance in Hammer Throw: "Sydney did not hit standard in this event until her first throw of a last chance meet. She went in ranked 15th and finished ninth, just missing All-American honors. Her best event, Shot Put, is tomorrow, with Discus Friday. She is far from being done with her 2025 outdoor season."

In order to view full results from Wednesday's Women's Hammer Throw, click HERE.

Duncan and teammate Maddie Dotlich are still in action at the Outdoor National Championships Thursday and Friday. Check out their event schedule below.

• Thursday @ 1:00 PM - Sydney/Shot Put
• Thursday @ 4:30 PM - Maddie/5,000 Meter Racewalk 
• Friday @ 3:00 PM - Sydney/Discus

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.