in the discus throw, two records and the Jamaican in gold – Libération

2024-08-07 21:34:41

Lithuanian Mykolas Alekna, only 21 years old, seems destined for success at the Stade de France. He even beat the world record set by his father in 2004. But Roje Stona came to change everything.

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Not all planets turn in the right direction in world sports. When they are giving up, it seems they don’t know which way to go. On the hammer, the Canadian flag flew twice for the podium ceremony. Victory for men, then again for women. Two Canadian golden geniuses disciplined where Eastern Europe left only crumbs for a long time, we have to dare to imagine it.

The men’s discus final, Wednesday August 7 at the Stade de France, continues in the same vein. Entertainer. And also, come on: incongruous. On paper, the scenario seemed strong. Favorite, Mykolas Alekna. Only 21 years old, but already a world record in that case. Not just any: the oldest in men’s sports, a 38-year-old relic, held by Jürgen Schult in the days of East Germany (74.08 m). The Lithuanian destroyed it during a dream tournament last spring in Oklahoma. 74.35 m. Mykolas Alekna was not the first Lithuanian to attend. In the country, his name has been associated since the beginning of the century with the very historic practice of throwing the discus, but with a different first name. Virgilijus, his father, was a two-time Olympic champion (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004), two world champions. With such a pedigree, and unrivaled competition evidence, Alekna does not seem to fear much from the Olympic final.

But the impact of the hammer, at the beginning of the week, reminds the supporters of the tradition: the sports are still not prevented from shaking the established order. On the second attempt, Mykolas Alekna hit a great shot. 69.97 m. Olympic record. True truth: the brand changes hands, but remains in the family. The son reclaimed the property from his father that belonged to him from the Athens Games in 2004. Virgilijus’ reckless behavior immediately forgave Mykolas. With such a throw, the Lithuanian seemed to have atomized the competition.

But another stratospheric flight shook the certainty: 70 m all round on the fourth attempt. Second Olympic record in the final. Surprisingly, it comes from a person who is not in a position in the discipline. His name: Roje Stona. His country: Jamaica. Guest at home, dressed in a swimsuit that doesn’t really bring luck on a discus throwing board. With two more tries, the Lithuanian could have put the competition back on track. But the incredible impact, and the inevitable impact of the competition, made him dizzy. Mykolas Alekna seemed surprised. You lose your strategy. Roje Stona is not the most unexpected of Olympic champions. It is also the least popular.

Your music record? Empty. First participation in the Olympic games. The only appearance at the world championships, last year in Budapest. Result: 19th. He was the only one who remembered it. Originally from Montego Bay, he started sports at school, trying his luck in throwing because he was unable to shine in sprinting. When his high school years were over, he went into exile in the United States, to the University of Arkansas. In Fayetteville, his daily life was marked by classes and disc training. But Jamaica is looking at uncertain territory: American soccer. Last May, he attended a Green Bay Packers scouting camp. With one fixed idea: a child in the NFL. Without some background in this game, we are rightfully dismissed. Too bad, there will be a discobole. At that time, he regretted it a little. No more. “Jamaica must be very proud right now, I’m sure people are celebratinghe confided when he left the track. Competitions are going in the right direction, we are not just a nation of sprinters. “