2024-04-17 21:05:05
M. Saatara is the coach of the throwers’ team at the University of California, Berkeley, which also includes the new world record holder, who is studying psychology in his third year. The coach, who has more than 27 years of experience, works with discus, javelin, hammer throwers, and shot putters, including world champions, world championship medalists, NCAA champions and record holders.
M. Saatara, who has been training Mykola for the third year, was happy with the incredible start of the season: “After the record-breaking competition, I was very happy and satisfied. Mykolas made the record throw perfectly – accurately and with a good rhythm. We thought we could see great results under these conditions.
Mykolas is now in great athletic shape, because a week before the record competition, at our home stadium, he broke his personal record (71.39m) and had a good throwing streak (x – 69.82 – 71.39 – 68.24 – 69.96 – x). We knew something magical could happen at Ramona. I was very happy but not surprised. Mykolas is an exceptional thrower. He is very young, but I knew that sooner or later such amazing results would be achieved.”
Although M. Saatara, who coaches the Lithuanian, mentioned good throws in the opening competition of the season, the results of the second start were even more impressive, as all 6 of Mykolos’ throws exceeded the 70-meter mark (72.21 – 70.32 – 72.89 – 70.51 – 74.35 – 70.50).
The amazing results of the participants were contributed by the excellent conditions of the World Athletics-sanctioned Ramona competition for throwers, such as the wind, which helped the athletes to record significantly better results than usual (some athletes improved their personal bests by 2-3 meters).
It is important to mention that, unlike sprint, long jump or triple jump events, the wind speed in the discus throw event is not limited, so even the results affected by the hurricane wind are counted.
According to the coach working with M. Alekna in the USA, increasing attention to the student is a common phenomenon, and the main focus in training is not on records, but on major championships.
“As Mykolas develops like this, we understand that he will get a lot of attention. Mykolas is a humble and persistent student. Our (coaches – author’s post) focus is on the work and details that are necessary for the athlete’s development. That extra attention and praise from those around you is just icing on the cake.
We always focus on the biggest championships – the Olympic Games, the World and European Championships. We knew he was ready for these results, it was just a matter of time. To improve the world record at such an age is amazing, but knowing Mykolos’ incredible technique and talent, this achievement does not surprise me,” said M. Saatara, who has seen the progress of the Vilnius native from up close.
In 2024, M. Alekna, who has already participated in two competitions, will compete in the USA once more, and then he will go to the “Diamond League” stage in Morocco (May 19). M. Saatara, who has been coaching the Berkeley University throwing team for the 11th year, said that the student is still in the preparation stage, and in a few years he has changed in every way: “Now Mykolas is in the preparation stage, we want to create a very stable base from which we can stand.
These two competitions were meant to check progress. We have a training plan that allows you to stay at an elite level for many months and reach your best form specifically for major competitions. Our main goals are to regularly and stably compete at the highest level and never stop improving.
Mykolas is a wonderful man who has matured not only physically, but also psychologically. He has developed goal-oriented and focused qualities that allow him to enjoy the environment not only in sports, but also in the sciences.”
M. Alekna, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on September 28, will make his debut at the Olympic Games in the summer, defending the 2022 Olympic Games. European champion title won in Munich (Germany). We remind you that the European Championship will be held in Rome (Italy) from June 7-12, and the athletics program at the Paris Olympic Games is scheduled for August 1-11.
In addition to the gold of the European Championship, M. Alekna has the gold medals of the World U20, European U20 and U23, Lithuanian championships. In addition, he won silver and bronze at the world championships, and a few days ago he became the national record holder when he improved the record held by his father Virgilij Alekna since 2000 – 73.88 m.
“There is no secret, Mykolas is successful due to many factors. Both due to natural talent and genes, as well as due to a combination of hard work, excellent technique and understanding of training and other small details.
At home, he is well cared for and trained by Manto Jusio, who is one of the best trainers in the world. At Berkeley University, Mykolas works in a group with other excellent throwers,” M. Saatara praised his pupil and paid tribute to another athlete’s coach.
Lengvoji.lt reminds that M. Alekna is not the only world record holder from Lithuania. Since 2005 Austrian Skujyta holds the women’s decathlon world record (8358 points), and ultra runner Aleksandrs Sorokinas can boast of 100 km road (6 hours 5 minutes 35 seconds), day running road (319.614 km) and other ultra distance records.
2024-04-17 21:05:05