Tom Pukstys - Javelin Q&A

The Coach

Tyler Rathke

Follow

Tom Pukstys is the current throws coach at Samford University and the lead instructor of the US Javelin Project in Birminhgam, AL. 

Pukstys represented the United States in both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. He is also a six-time U.S. javelin champion, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. He was an assistant coach with the United States team in the 2012 Olympics in London. Two of his current athletes recently competed in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.
 
Falling in love with the javelin after his brother brought one back from his native country of Lithuania, Pukstys quit his high school baseball team and joined the track team, throwing 155 feet in his first meet.
 
Pukstys attended the College of DuPage and set the American Junior record (71.34m/234-1) his freshman year before transferring to the University of Florida following his sophomore campaign. At Florida, he trained with John Kennison. He set his first American record in 1993. He personal best is 87.12m/285-10.
 
Pukstys has served as the national coordinator for all men's throws for USATF's development program since 2005.
 
Pukstys graduated from Florida with a degree in public relations in 1992. He also received his Master's in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University in 2016.