Mykolas Alekna from Lithuania Shatters Decades-Long Men's Track and Field World Record
Witness the remarkable achievement of Lithuanian discus thrower Mykolas Alekna as he smashes a world record that endured for over forty years at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational event in Ramona on a memorable Sunday.
Lithuanian discus thrower Mykolas Alekna made history at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational meeting in Ramona on Sunday by breaking a world record that had stood for four decades.
Alekna's impressive throw of 74.35 meters surpassed the previous record set by Jurgen Schult in 1986, when the German athlete threw 74.08 meters. According to Olympics.com, Schult's record had been the longest-standing record in track and field.
Alekna's throw was first measured at 74.41m by World Athletics, but it was later revised and is currently pending ratification.
After his accomplishment, Alekna expressed, "It's difficult to grasp what I just achieved. I had a feeling when I saw the throws that today could be the day, and it turned out to be true."
Alekna arrived at Ramona with the longest throw of the season, surpassing his previous personal record of 71.39m on April 6, which placed him 10th on the world all-time list. He continued his impressive performance with all six of his attempts on Sunday exceeding the 70m mark.
Born in Lithuania on September 28, 2002, Alekna has quickly established himself as one of the top athletes in his field.
He moved to train in the US in 2021, and at 20, he became the youngest athlete to throw beyond 70m.
He is also a two-time medalist at the World Championships, and the 2022 European champion.
Alekna's father, Virgilijus, holds an Olympic record in the same event. He threw 69.89m in Athens 2004 and is a two-time world and Olympic champion.
Editor's P/S:
Mykolas Alekna's historic achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. The fact that he broke a world record that had stood for 40 years is a remarkable feat. His unwavering determination and the support of his family and coaches have undoubtedly played a crucial role in his success. Alekna's accomplishment is not only a source of pride for his country but also an inspiration to young athletes around the world.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that Alekna's father, Virgilijus Alekna, is an Olympic and world champion in the same event. This family legacy adds an extra layer of significance to Mykolas's achievement. It demonstrates the power of mentorship and the importance of following in the footsteps of successful predecessors. The Alekna family's contributions to the sport of discus throw are truly exceptional.
