Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak has returned to the field in spectacular fashion, taking the gold once again in the women’s javelin and shot put at the U.S. Police & Fire Championships.

The last time the Turlock Mayor and retired Richmond and Modesto Police officer participated in the first responder games event was in 2023, when she captured the World Police & Fire Games’ women’s javelin championship while setting a new world record.

She is well on her way to another World victory, after successfully defending her U.S. titles in both the javelin and shot put at the 2026 U.S. Police & Fire Championships in San Diego in June. She will represent the United States at the World Championships in Perth, Australia in March 2027.

“I like to win,” the mayor said of her victories.

A three-time NCAA Division III All American in the javelin, Bublak was previously coached by the late Cy Young Jr. and Dr. Mark Erickson during her time at Stanislaus State. In 2001, she was inducted into Stan State’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

To get ready for the games, Bublak said she goes to ABC Fitness to stay in shape, then worked toward putting on muscle closer to the competition. She also worked with a javelin coach before competing, specifically Stanislaus State throws coordinator Channing Wilson.

“This is the first time I’ve ever learned how to throw the javelin with technique; we threw with strength when I was in college,” said Bublak, who confessed that Wilson had to “baby step” her through the technique.

Bublak, who had multiple knee surgeries due to her time competing in college, said she wished she had known about the technique back then.

“I probably wouldn’t have had all those surgeries, but you can’t look back. What athletes get today; 40 years ago, that would have been really helpful,” she said.

Bublak said that despite the historic rivalry between police and fire departments, the atmosphere at the U.S. and World competitions is always supportive. She’s also received a lot of support from the community. The mayor said she hopes her athletic journey can help inspire others.

“I want people to have the goal to achieve balance and health…whether you’re a child, mid-age or elderly, you can always set goals every single day and work towards those,” she said.