News Summary
At the Penn Elite meet, freshman Jessica Oji demonstrated extraordinary athletic talent by breaking the Ivy League indoor shot put record four times. Her standout performance culminated in a winning throw of 18.45 meters (60 feet, 6.5 inches). This achievement has secured her a second-place ranking in the NCAA for women’s shot put, signaling a promising future for Oji in collegiate athletics. The Penn Elite meet also featured other remarkable performances, including record-breaking efforts by the men’s 4x400m relay team and several athletes from Princeton.
Philadelphia
Freshman Jessica Oji Shatters Ivy League Shot Put Record Four Times at Penn Elite Meet
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, University of Pennsylvania freshman Jessica Oji stole the spotlight at the Penn Elite meet on Saturday, January 24, 2026, by breaking the all-time Ivy League indoor shot put record not once, but an extraordinary four times within a single competition. Her dominant performance culminated in a winning mark of 18.45 meters (60 feet, 6.5 inches) in the women’s shot put.
Oji’s Remarkable Performance and National Standing
Oji’s incredible achievement marks a significant moment for collegiate track and field, particularly as she is a freshman. This latest record-breaking throw has propelled the Livingston, N.J. native to the second-place ranking in the NCAA for women’s shot put. This is not the first time Oji has made history this season; she initially broke the Ivy League indoor record at the Penn Opener on December 6, with a throw of 17.72 meters (58 feet, 1.75 inches).
The Penn Elite Meet: A Showcase of Talent
The Penn Elite meet, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s and women’s track & field teams at the Ott Center, served as a platform for numerous impressive performances. The Ott Center, designed to support the long tradition of track and field excellence at Penn, provides optimal conditions for a variety of events, including running, jumping, and throwing. This facility is known for hosting a range of youth, high school, and college events.
Beyond Oji’s individual triumphs, the meet also witnessed other record-setting efforts. The Penn men’s 4x400m relay team, comprised of Nayyir Newash-Campbell, Ryan Matulonis, Tiago Socarras, and Ben Markham, set a new school record with a time of 3:08.01. This time also stands as the second fastest in the Ivy League and ranks within the NCAA Top-20. Newcomer Jailyn Milord achieved the fastest 400m time in the Ivy League this season at 54.43 seconds, placing her fifth in program history. Quin Stovall recorded the sixth fastest time in program history in the women’s 800m, clocking in at 2:07.07, ranking her first in the Ivy League and 22nd in the NCAA. From Princeton, Angela McAuslan-Kelly established a new meet record in the weight throw with a mark of 19.69 meters, which is 32nd in the NCAA, and Laila Payne tied her personal best and set a new meet record in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.44 seconds.
Jessica Oji’s Collegiate Trajectory
Oji’s immediate impact as a freshman suggests a promising collegiate career. Her consistent improvement and record-breaking capabilities place her among the top athletes in the nation. Her prior performance at the Penn Opener saw her break the school record three times before setting the Ivy League indoor record, which was previously held by Nikki Okwelogu (2015) with a mark of 17.22 meters (56 feet, 6 inches). Her high school career also indicated her potential, with records showing strong performances in shot put at events like the Penn Relays.
This stellar start to her collegiate indoor season positions Oji as a formidable competitor in future events, including the upcoming Ivy League Championships. The continuous breaking of records highlights not only her individual talent but also the competitive environment fostered by the University of Pennsylvania’s track and field program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Jessica Oji break at the Penn Elite meet?
Freshman Jessica Oji broke the all-time Ivy League indoor shot put record four times at the Penn Elite meet on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
What was Jessica Oji’s best shot put mark at the Penn Elite meet?
Jessica Oji won the women’s shot put with a remarkable mark of 18.45 meters (60 feet, 6.5 inches) at the Penn Elite meet.
Where does Jessica Oji currently rank in the NCAA for shot put?
Following her performance, Jessica Oji currently ranks second in the NCAA for women’s shot put.
When did Jessica Oji first break the Ivy League indoor record?
Jessica Oji first broke the Ivy League indoor record at the Penn Opener on December 6, with a mark of 17.72 meters (58 feet, 1.75 inches).
What is the Penn Elite meet?
The Penn Elite meet is an indoor track and field competition hosted by the University of Pennsylvania at the Ott Center in Philadelphia.
What other records were broken at the Penn Elite meet?
Besides Jessica Oji’s achievements, the men’s 4x400m relay team (Nayyir Newash-Campbell, Ryan Matulonis, Tiago Socarras, and Ben Markham) broke the school record with a time of 3:08.01. Princeton’s Angela McAuslan-Kelly set a new meet record in the weight throw with a mark of 19.69 meters, and Laila Payne also set a new meet record in the 60m hurdles, tying her personal best of 8.44.
Key Features of Jessica Oji’s Penn Elite Performance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Freshman Jessica Oji |
| Event | Women’s Indoor Shot Put |
| Competition | Penn Elite Meet |
| Date of Event | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| Location | Ott Center, Philadelphia |
| Record Broken | All-time Ivy League Indoor Shot Put Record (4 times) |
| Best Mark Achieved | 18.45 meters (60 feet, 6.5 inches) |
| NCAA Ranking | Currently 2nd in the NCAA |
| First Ivy Record Break | Penn Opener, December 6 (17.72m / 58′ 1.75″) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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