RAMONA, Okla. (AP) — Mykolas Alekna of Lithuania broke a world record in the discus throw that had stood since 1986 on Sunday at the Oklahoma Throws Series competition.
Alekna’s throw of 243 feet, 11 inches (74.35 meters) eclipsed the mark of 243 feet (74.08 meters) set by Germany’s Jurgen Schult on June 6, 1986. Alekna’s throw was originally measured at 244-1 (74.41) but later revised, according to World Athletics. The record is subject to ratification.
The 21-year-old Alekna, a junior at the University of California, is a two-time medal winner at the world outdoor championships. He captured a silver medal at the 2022 worlds in Oregon and bronze last summer in Hungary.
His big throw bumped his father, Virgilijus, to third on the career list. Virgilijus Alekna had a toss of 242-4 (73.88) in 2000.
Mykolas Alekna’s big day comes a day after Cuba’s Yaimé Perez recorded the longest women’s discus throw since 1989 at 239-9 (73.09).
AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Mykolas Alekna’s performance came the day after Cuba’s Yaime Perez threw 73.09m in Ramona for the longest women’s discus throw in the world since 1989.
(asterisk)Subject to the usual ratification procedure
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Moment So You Think You Can Dance star fears she's suffered 'acid attack'
Xi Meets Merieux Foundation President and His Wife
Xi Meets Merieux Foundation President and His Wife
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Friendship Standing Test of Fire and Blood
Commentary: Message of peace for cross
Passenger flow at Urumqi Station surges during the Spring Festival travel rush
Britain's Gibraltar concessions with Spain just to reach a post
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Anqing developed agriculture and ecological breeding industries to expand income