Lithuanian Discus Thrower Mykolas Alekna Shatters 37-Year-Old World Record

Mykolas Alekna, a 21-year-old Lithuanian discus thrower and junior at the University of California, made history on Sunday by breaking the long-standing world record in the discus throw. Competing at the Oklahoma Throws Series competition, Alekna launched the discus an astonishing 243 feet, 11 inches (74.35 meters), surpassing the previous record of 243 feet (74.08 meters) set by German athlete Jurgen Schult back in 1986.

Alekna's throw was initially measured at an even greater distance of 244-1 (74.41 meters) but was later revised to the official mark of 243-11. The record-breaking performance is now subject to ratification by World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field. According to World Athletics, Schult's previous record had stood as the longest-standing men's world record in the sport.

The young Lithuanian athlete has already made a name for himself on the international stage, having won a silver medal at the 2022 world outdoor championships and a bronze medal in 2021. Alekna's father, Virgilijus Alekna, is a two-time Olympic champion in the discus throw. With this latest achievement, the younger Alekna has not only broken the world record but also surpassed his father's personal best, bumping Virgilijus to third on the all-time list.

Why this matters: Mykolas Alekna's world record in the discus throw marks a significant milestone in the sport of track and field. The shattering of a 37-year-old record highlights the incredible progress and advancements made by athletes in recent years, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

The discus throw world record had remained untouched for nearly four decades, with many athletes coming close but failing to surpass Schult's mark. Alekna's accomplishment not only cements his status as one of the top discus throwers in the world but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. As the track and field community awaits the official ratification of the record by World Athletics, Alekna's performance has already etched his name in the history books and sets the bar even higher for future generations of discus throwers.

Key Takeaways

• Mykolas Alekna, 21, broke the 37-year-old discus throw world record.
• Alekna's throw measured 243 feet, 11 inches (74.35 meters).
• Alekna surpassed his father Virgilijus, a 2-time Olympic champion.
• The record is subject to ratification by World Athletics.
• Alekna's achievement marks a significant milestone in track and field.