Baker tries to secure first javelin medal for Americans in IAAF World U-20 Championship history in country rich with tradition

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Dana Baker knows the history that surrounds her, as well as the significance of the opportunity in front of her in Tampere, Finland.

Baker, an Olathe North KS graduate, made her international debut Tuesday in the qualifying round of the women’s javelin competition at the 17th IAAF World U-20 Championships.

When she returns Wednesday to Ratina Stadium, the Duke signee could achieve something no American javelin thrower has at the meet, which began in 1986, by capturing a medal.

“It’s an honor just to be able to wear the USA uniform,” said Baker, who qualified seventh overall for the 12-athlete final with a second-round throw of 167-7 (51.09m).

“To bring back a medal, especially in Finland, would be unbelievable.”

Finland boasts one of the world’s most impressive javelin traditions, including four total gold medals in World U-20 competition, the last one by Sanni Utriainen in the women’s event in 2010.

By contrast, Baker became only the sixth American female athlete to advance to a World U-20 javelin final, including the first since Haley Crouser in 2012.

Bucknell freshman Maura Fiamoncini, who boasts the No. 2 mark in American U-20 history at 184-5 (56.21m), placed 14th in qualifying with a throw of 160-5 (48.91m).

“I have a lot of respect for (Dana),” Fiamoncini said. “She’s an amazing thrower and she’s only going to get better.”

The best finish by an American female javelin thrower in meet history is a seventh-place result by Lyndsey Johnson in 2002.

Baker not only hopes to surpass that achievement, but perhaps build on her personal-best 180-10 (55.11m) – ranking her as the No. 3 all-time prep performer and No. 4 in American U-20 history – and challenge the national high school record and U.S. Junior standard of 185-8 (56.59m) set in 2015 by Madison Wiltrout, now a freshman at North Carolina.

“I feel like my confidence has gradually grown,” Baker said. “I’ve been able to relax and trust the practice I’ve put in, rather than overthink everything.”

Baker demonstrated she could handle the pressure Tuesday, gaining valuable experience June 21 when she placed 13th with a throw of 160-11 (49.05m) competing against college and professional throwers at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Iowa.

She responded from that disappointment with a personal-best effort June 29 at American JavFest in Pennsylvania and the USATF Junior Outdoor champion knows it only takes one great throw Wednesday to make history, not only for herself, but the entire country.

“It was essential because prior to (nationals) I wasn’t sure how I’d respond to that elite competition and going through that helped me work out my nerves and know what to expect in the future,” Baker said. “It was very beneficial.”