Mykolas Alekna breaks men’s discus world record with throw of 74.35m
Australian Matthew Denny’s quest to win discus gold at the Paris Olympics got harder, with Mykolas Alekna breaking the oldest world record in men’s track and field.
The Lithuanian powerhouse took advantage of windy conditions in the unlikely setting of Ramona, Oklahoma, on Monday AEST, to set a new mark of 74.35 metres.
The previous best of 74.08m was set by German Juergen Schult way back in 1986.
Having finished fourth at last year’s world championships and the Tokyo Olympics, Denny is a serious medal contender at the Paris Games.
But if he is to secure top spot on the podium, the Queenslander will need to find a way past reigning world and Olympic champion Daniel Stahl from Sweden, as well as Alekna, who at just 21 is six years younger than the Australian.
“I’ve said my focus was to win the Olympics and a lot of people haven’t taken that too seriously,” Denny said after his record-breaking throw on Saturday.
“Which is fair enough considering I’m fourth in the order right now, fourth in the rankings and I haven’t broken that 70-metre mark.
“Today we didn’t have huge winds or anything.
“That’s a replicable (sic) throw in an Olympics and that changes my argument on being competitive and looking for that win in Paris.”
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/mykolas-alekna-breaks-men-discus-world-record/103708542
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Exploring the World’s Longest Walk: From South Africa to China
Intrigued by Russ Cook’s remarkable run across Africa, Post Magazine delves into the possibility of creating the world’s longest walk on Google Maps, highlighting notable sites along the way and considering countries to avoid.
Russ Cook’s extraordinary journey, spanning 16,300km from Cape Agulhas to Tunisia, captured global attention as he became the first person documented to have traversed the entire length of Africa on foot. His 352-day odyssey through 16 countries showcased both endurance and determination, inspiring others with his feat.
Motivated by Cook’s accomplishment, the quest to map out an even longer route began. The hypothetical itinerary, meticulously crafted to navigate visa regulations, sealed borders, and conflict zones, spans an estimated 5,532 hours of walking time.
One of the lesser-known stops along the proposed route is Plaatjieskraal Ghost Town in South Africa, a hidden gem that came to light through Cook’s journey. His adventure serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders waiting to be discovered amidst the vast landscapes traversed during such epic expeditions.
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