The 10 year long women’s hammer throw streak has come to an end thanks to Bloomsburg thrower, Briannan Eckard. In her final year, Eckard bested Tayler Harkins’ 46.53 meter record with her own 47.0 meter performance. Recently, she sat down with The Voice to reflect on her major accomplishment as well as her experience with balancing a student-athlete lifestyle.
What does beating this record mean to you?
Briannan Eckard: It’s always been a goal of mine. Definitely more of an ambitious goal than a realistic goal. It means a lot to me. I’m grateful to be able to take this record and I hope that I can possibly make it a little harder to get, maybe even break it again.
When you’re at meets like this, what goes through your head before a throw?
Eckard: I tell myself one thing: Go in, focus on one thing. Take a deep breath, focus on one thing you need to change when you’re throwing and have fun. Make the most of it.
When asked about the significance of her role in this sport, Eckard remarked on the unique opportunity she has as a female thrower.
Eckard: People always assume I’m a sprinter. They don’t even think about the field events so it’s really cool when people ask me what events I do and I say I throw. A lot of people also don’t really know about the hammer throw because around here, you can’t do the hammer throw in high school. It’s really cool to get to communicate with people about what I actually do and then when I tell them: “this is the weight that I throw and this is what it looks like.” They’re all pretty intrigued.
What has been the biggest challenge for you as a student-athlete and how has that led you to this point in your athletic career?
Eckard: Making time for myself. Because I’m in student teaching, I wake up, go to teach all day, and as soon as I come back I go straight to practice for 2-3 hours, and then I go home and make dinner around 7/8pm. By the time I’m done with everything, it’s time for me to go to sleep. Self care has definitely been the hardest thing.
When you do have that time to yourself, what do you like to do?
Eckard: I love to read books. If I have time at night, I’ll read books and even drink tea before bed. Sometimes, I’ll go for a walk by myself down by the river and look around.
Is there any advice you have for student athletes in this sport?
Eckard: Just keep working hard, don’t give up, have fun. The moment you lose the fun, it’s not worth it.
What will you miss most?
Eckard: The people. Recently, my teammates have been really supportive of me. They are always there when I’m up to throw, cheering me on. It’s just a good community and family to be a part of.
As for the future, Eckard continues to pursue a career in special education, even recently accepting a job in the Bloomsburg Area School District for middle school learning support.
