The 23-year-old Lithuanian threw the implement 67.74 m and guaranteed himself a fight for a medal.
At the same time, he also sent a message to one of his biggest competitors – the Slovenian Kristjan Čeh (67.52 m), who also qualified for the final with his first attempt earlier.
In the earlier first qualifying group, which included Andrius Gudžius and Martynas Alekna, no thrower met the final standard (66.00 m).
Understand instantly
My. Alekna’s throws in qualifying: 67.74 m
A place in the final was guaranteed by 66.00 m or a spot among the top twelve.
“I evaluate it positively. That was the plan – to get into the final as quickly as possible to save as much emotion and energy as possible. Everything went perfectly. I am satisfied with the result,” said My. Alekna.
– Good conditions, good weather, warm, the sector is also good. Ideal conditions.
There are always issues with qualification… Sometimes it’s harder for me, sometimes easier. I hope that both my brother (Martynas Alekna) and Andrius (Gudžius) will make it to the final.”
“It’s hard to assess how much strength I gave with this throw, but I have confidence in my abilities. I hope to throw further in the final,” added Mykolas.
We remind you that My. Alekna’s season this year was hanging by a thread when he tore a chest muscle during training in the spring.
However, the world record holder (75.56 m) not only defied medical predictions but also returned spectacularly – becoming the season leader in the world, throwing the implement 72.65 m in Palanga at the end of July.
“The most important thing is not to give up. When you overcome such difficulties, such injuries, slumps – it all accumulates into experience and in the long run, it only benefits you. That’s what I believe. I gained experience, had different training, and I think I am a better version of myself than before the injury,” said My. Alekna.
Before Thursday’s final, he mainly talked about distraction: “We will do a light training, spend time with the team, play some games with the console, cards, to take the focus off sports a bit, rest our heads, thoughts, and get a good sleep.”
“I really want all three of us to be in the final,” said My. Alekna, and his wish soon came true – all Lithuanians passed the discus throw qualification.
