In the men’s discus throw event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jamaican Roje Stona secured the country’s first gold medal in the ongoing Summer Olympics after breaking a 20-year-old Olympic record.
In the men’s discus throw final event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Roje Stona’s fourth attempt managed to reach the distance of 70.00m. It is the new Olympic record in the men’s discus throw event as Stona claimed Jamaica’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was also Jamaica’s first Olympic medal in the discus throw event.
Lithuanian Mykolas Alekna was the earlier leader in the Paris 2024 Olympics contest as his second attempt reached the distance of 69.97m. As Stona later surpassed him, Alekna earned the silver medal. It was Lithuania’s first silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and it means that the country’s first Olympic gold medal since Rio 2016 is still awaiting.
I've done some things that I didn't know I was capable of doing: Roje Stona
Stona said, according to World Athletics’ official website, "I've done some things that I didn't know I was capable of doing. But I believed, and I had faith, so I was in the moment and I enjoyed it."
Lithuanian Virgilijus Alekna claimed silver
Lithuanian Virgilijus Alekna was the previous Olympic record holder for the men’s discus throw event with his 69.89m throw at the Athens 2004. Both Roje Stona and Mykolas Alekna beat that record on Wednesday (7th August) night.
Australian Matthew Denny claimed the bronze medal as his second attempt reached the 69.31m distance. It was Australia’s first Olympic medal at the men’s discus throw event.
The defending champion Swedish Daniel Stahl finished in seventh place with his best throw of 66.95m.
