Jamaica’s Roje Stona achieved a monumental feat at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Jamaican to surpass the 70-meter mark in the discus, securing the gold medal with an Olympic record-breaking throw on Wednesday (7).
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In a gripping competition, world record-holder Mykolas Alekna initially set a new Olympic record with a throw of 69.97m in the second round, surpassing the previous record set by his father, Virgilijus, in 2004.
However, just two rounds later, Stona unleashed the throw of his life, hitting the 70-meter mark to take the lead and set a new Olympic record. This historic achievement marked a massive accomplishment for Stona and Jamaica, elevating him to the pinnacle of the sport.
Stona celebrated the momentous occasion with his coach, Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser, in the stands.
Despite two more attempts, neither Stona nor Alekna could improve their distances, securing gold for Stona and silver for Alekna. Australia’s Matthew Denny claimed the bronze with a throw of 69.31m.
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Fedrick Dacres’s national record is 70.78m. Therefore, Stona was not the first Jamaican to break 70m in the discus.