Mykolas Alekna: The Lithuanian Discus Prodigy Redefining the Event
The discus throw just witnessed a historic moment in April 2024. Lithuanian athlete Mykolas Alekna, at the young age of 21, shattered the oldest men’s discus world record during the Oklahoma Throws Series. This article dives into the life and achievements of this rising star, poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Legacy of Discus Excellence
Mykolas comes from a discus dynasty. His father, Virgilijus Alekna, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004) and a world champion himself. Discus throwing wasn’t necessarily Mykolas’ initial choice, though. He dabbled in football and high jump before his growth spurt led him to discus at 16. The talent was undeniable, and his development was rapid. He quickly became a European Youth Olympic Festival and Baltic Championship participant, culminating in World and European under-20 champion titles in 2021.
Record-Breaking Trajectory
Mykolas has a knack for rewriting record books. At the 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships, his throw of 69.81m set a new championship record. He then became the youngest athlete ever to surpass the 70-meter mark with a throw of 71.00m in California, just at 20 years old. He continued his record-breaking spree by winning the European under-23 title with another championship record. His world record throw in Oklahoma not only shattered the existing mark but will also become the new European record upon ratification.
Paris 2024 and Beyond: A Golden Age of Discus
The men’s discus throw is experiencing a golden age, with Mykolas at the forefront. The 2022 World Championships witnessed a historic five athletes clearing the 67-meter mark in the finals, and the 2023 competition featured five throwers with throws exceeding 70 meters. While Alekna holds the top spot, the competition is fierce. Reigning Olympic and World Champion Daniel Ståhl of Sweden boasts a monstrous throw of 71.46m, while Slovenia’s Kristjan Ceh (2022 World Champion) and others like Alex Rose (Samoa) and Lukas Weißhaidinger (Austria) are all serious contenders.
A Shot at Olympic History?
An additional layer of intrigue surrounds Mykolas’ quest for Olympic gold. No father-son duo has ever won gold in the same individual athletics event at the Olympics. While the closest example is the USA’s Charlie (1956) and Chip Jenkins (1992) winning gold in the 4x400m relay (Chip as a reserve), Mykolas has a chance to create a unique legacy in Paris.
With his exceptional talent and drive, Mykolas Alekna is poised to dominate the discus throw for years to come. The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be a historic spectacle, and Mykolas is a strong favorite to add an Olympic gold to his growing list of achievements. One thing is certain: the discus throwing world will be watching with bated breath.
Mykolas Alekna breaks men’s discus world record with throw of 74.35m
Australian Matthew Denny’s quest to win discus gold at the Paris Olympics got harder, with Mykolas Alekna breaking the oldest world record in men’s track and field.
The Lithuanian powerhouse took advantage of windy conditions in the unlikely setting of Ramona, Oklahoma, on Monday AEST, to set a new mark of 74.35 metres.
The previous best of 74.08m was set by German Juergen Schult way back in 1986.
Having finished fourth at last year’s world championships and the Tokyo Olympics, Denny is a serious medal contender at the Paris Games.
But if he is to secure top spot on the podium, the Queenslander will need to find a way past reigning world and Olympic champion Daniel Stahl from Sweden, as well as Alekna, who at just 21 is six years younger than the Australian.
“I’ve said my focus was to win the Olympics and a lot of people haven’t taken that too seriously,” Denny said after his record-breaking throw on Saturday.
“Which is fair enough considering I’m fourth in the order right now, fourth in the rankings and I haven’t broken that 70-metre mark.
“Today we didn’t have huge winds or anything.
“That’s a replicable (sic) throw in an Olympics and that changes my argument on being competitive and looking for that win in Paris.”
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/mykolas-alekna-breaks-men-discus-world-record/103708542
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