On April 14, in a competition in Oklahoma, 21-year-old Lithuanian discus thrower Mykolas Alekna broke the world discus throw record, which has stood since 1986. Alekna threw the discus 74.35 metres. The Lithuanian cleared 72 metres on his first attempt, threw the discus 72.89 metres on his third attempt, and broke the world record on his fifth attempt.
“It’s really hard to grasp yet. It was a very good competition with all the conditions for a world record – strong winds, warm weather. I managed to make a technical throw and I am very happy. I’m still in a bit of shock, it’s hard to understand what I did. I’m very satisfied with the result, I’m very happy,” the discus thrower told LRT.lt.“Of course, the world record is not my goal – the Olympic gold is the goal for the season. I’m more focused on that,” he added.
The previous world record – 74.08 metres – was held by German Jurgen Schultz. It was the oldest men’s athletics record.
Mykolas Alekna is the son of the legendary Lithuanian discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna, a two-time Olympic gold medallist.
