Mykolas Alekna, a California-based thrower, made history at the Oklahoma Throws Series by breaking the world record in the discus throw. He set a new record of 74.35 meters, surpassing the previous record of 74.08 meters set in 1986 by Jürgen Schult. This was the oldest men’s track and field world record that Alekna broke.
Alekna competed unattached at the event and showed his exceptional ability right from the start with throws of 72.21 meters, 70.32 meters, 72.89 meters, and 70.51 meters in his first four attempts. It was on his fifth throw that he made history by setting the new world record.
In addition to breaking the world record, Alekna also broke his own collegiate discus record three times during this event with a throw of 71.00 meters in 2023. He now holds most of the top 10 furthest throws in collegiate history.
Stan Becton, who joined NCAA.com in 2021, covered the event and has provided insights into Alekna’s incredible achievement. Becton has covered various NCAA championship events and college sports, bringing in-depth coverage to fans around the world. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and a former collegiate athlete in football. Follow him on Twitter @stan_becton for more updates on this remarkable feat in track and field history