Thomas PUKSTYS

Tom Pukstys was a javelin thrower who competed at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, making the final both times. Pukstys also finished fourth at the 1992 World Cup. He made six World Championships teams, and competed five times, in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999. Pukstys was second at the 1998 Goodwill Games and fourth at the 1997 Grand Prix Final.

Pukstys was a six-time US national champion, winning in 1992-93, 1995, and 1997-1999, and also finished second at the nationals four times, in 1994, 1996, 2000, and 2001. During his career, Pukstys set six American records with the javelin, with his final record his PR of 87.12 set at Jena, Germany in 1997. He started out at the College of DuPage in Illinois, but transferred to the University of Florida, graduating from there in 1992 with a degree in public relations. He had best finishes at the NCAA Meet of fourth in 1989 and 1990. Pukstys later became a track & field coach. During his javelin career Pukstys actually had a tryout with the New York Yankees.