PARIS — Roje Stona of Jamaica delivered a stunning performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics, shattering the Olympic record with a monumental throw in the discus final on Wednesday (7).
The competition began with world record-holder Mykolas Alekna of Lithuania setting the stage with an impressive throw of 69.97 meters in the second round, surpassing the previous Olympic record set by his father, Virgilijus Alekna, in 2004.
However, Stona, fueled by determination and precision, unleashed a career-defining throw that breached the 70-meter mark, securing both the lead and the new Olympic record. Celebrating his victory with coach Ryan Crouser, the world shot put record-holder, Stona etched his name in history as Jamaica’s first gold medalist in a throws event at the Olympic Games.
“It’s a very special night. It’s everything I wanted, but for it to actually happen, it’s a very good feeling,” Stona remarked, reflecting on his achievement.
Stona’s journey to gold saw him steadily improving throughout the competition, culminating in his record-breaking 70.00-meter throw, which also marked an 11-centimeter improvement over the previous Olympic record.
“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,” Stona shared, highlighting his transformation from missing out on the final at the 2023 World Championships to claiming Olympic glory.
Behind Stona’s record-setting performance, Alekna secured the silver medal with consistent throws near the 69-meter mark. Australia’s Matthew Denny clinched the bronze with a strong performance, surpassing 69 meters with his throws.
Stona’s achievement not only cements his place in Jamaican sporting history but also underscores a resurgence in field events, with Jamaica celebrating multiple athletes achieving notable finishes in Paris.
The men’s discus final at Paris 2024 showcased exceptional depth and competition, setting a new standard in the event’s history with athletes pushing the boundaries of performance.
Stona’s victory adds to the excitement of the Games, signaling a promising future for Jamaican athletics on the global stage.
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