• 8/25/26

Episode 24: Born to Throw...Javelin with Brett Jones

She broke a school record, nearly made nationals by a single centimeter, and is already ranked among the world’s best under-20 javelin throwers - all while still in college. Brett Jones reveals what it actually takes to compete in one of track and field’s most misunderstood events, and why “just throw it” is nowhere near enough.

Co-hosts Jenny Hoffman and Beth Painter sit down with Brett Jones, a Sophomore at the University of Tennessee whose resume sounds impossible: a national title at eight, years of All-American finishes, a SEC breakthrough that set Tennessee records, and a fifth-place finish at the U20 USA Nationals. But behind the highlight reel is a story about mechanics, patience, and a sport that isn't as easy as it looks.

You'll discover:

  • Why javelin is a technique-first event, not a strength contest

  • What a throw really feels like when the release is right or wrong

  • How wind, foul lines, and javelin flex ratings change competition day

Brett also shares what made the University of Tennessee the right fit, how she handled competing against older, more experienced athletes, and why the javelin community is surprisingly small and incredibly supportive. From backyard throws with her parents to Olympic-year ambitions, her path shows how far talent can go when it’s paired with the right coaching, discipline, and belief.

If you’ve ever underestimated track and field, this episode will change the way you watch it. And if you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone chasing elite performance, Brett’s mindset around consistency, confidence, and staying out of her own head is worth hearing. Perfect for fans of college sports and stories about rising talent on the edge of something much bigger.

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Episode 23: Football is Back & Other Sports Stories