The Rice women's track and field team excelled on the second day of the 2026 American Outdoor Championships, leading the competition. They achieved a historic podium sweep in the heptathlon, with Alice Taylor earning first place with 5,712 points, followed by Julia Johannesdottir and Laura Duckhorn. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen set a meet record in the javelin with a throw of 57.34m, winning her third straight conference title. In other events, multiple Owls advanced to finals, showcasing strong performances across the board.

By the Numbers
  • Alice Taylor scored 5,712 points to win the heptathlon.
  • Mckyla Van der Westhuizen achieved a javelin throw of 57.34m, setting a meet record.
  • Rice currently leads the team standings with 54 points, just ahead of UTSA with 52 points.
State of Play
  • Rice leads the American Championships with a strong showing in multiple events.
  • Numerous athletes from Rice advanced to finals, indicating a competitive edge.
  • The team’s heptathlon sweep stands as a historic achievement for the program.
What's Next

The final day of the American Championships is set for tomorrow, with Rice athletes poised for more medal opportunities. Continued strong performances in the finals could solidify Rice’s dominance in the competition.

Bottom Line

The Rice women's track and field team is positioned for success, leveraging their historic heptathlon sweep and strong individual performances to maintain their lead in the American Championships. Their momentum heading into the final day suggests a potential for further accolades and a solidified program legacy.