Johansson Qualifies for World Championships Final

Nebraska track and field thrower Axelina Johansson qualified for the World Athletics Championships shot put final after a new personal best in Eugene, Ore., on Friday night.

Representing Sweden, Johansson posted a new personal best of 60-11 1/4 (18.57m) to finish 12th out of 29 throwers and earn the 12th and final qualifying spot for the final, which is set for Saturday at 8:25 p.m. (CT). Her throw moved her to No. 2 in school history in the outdoor shot put, and she was the only thrower of the 29 to hit a new PR on Friday.

Johansson qualified for the World Athletics Championships by placing second in the Swedish Team Championships in June. The NCAA bronze medalist as a freshman, Johansson entered the meet with a personal best of 60-4 (18.39m). She was named the Big Ten Women's Outdoor Freshman of the Year. Johansson was a two-time All-American in her freshman season at Nebraska and collected two Big Ten medals in the shot put.