“It feels like the season is just beginning because I started late. After the European Championship, of course, there was a slight psychological dip, since it is still the main event you prepare for. But the European Championship gave me even more motivation, even more anger, so I still have something to prove and I eagerly await every upcoming competition,” reveals Mykolas Alekna.
Read more After the US threatened sanctions on Iran, China promises to defend its interests
After the record – a look at the showdown in Vilnius
In Silesia, four of Mykolas Alekna’s throws flew beyond the 71-meter mark. The most successful – the fifth – throw is now the new Diamond League record – 72.58 m. The European vice-champion outpaced one of his main competitors, K. Čeh, by more than one and a half meters and currently leads 3:1 in this season’s symbolic duel with the Slovenian.
“The Olympic Games, World and European Championships are the most important competitions, but the Diamond League also features the strongest opponents, so it’s always fun to win,” says Mantas Jusius’ protégé.
This season, the Lithuanian discus thrower still has three competitions ahead – this Sunday at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver level event in Bellinzona, in less than two weeks the Diamond League final in Brussels, and on September 12 the “Domė” discus throw competition in Vilnius.
“The best athletes in the world will gather in Lithuania, but we probably can’t call it a rematch because a rematch for the Olympic or European champion title must take place at the Olympic Games or European Championship. Of course, you can see it as a duel or a triathlon, because not only K. Čeh but also Olympic champion Roje Stone will be there, so I think everyone will come to the sector with the highest goals, and we will gradually find out who will be the strongest that day,” promises Mykolas Alekna about the fierce competition.
Six athletes will compete for the winner’s title in the discus throw competition in Vilnius, with a prize fund of 10,000 euros.
Read more «Revolut» creates an artificial intelligence research division
The stadium gives a magical feeling
The brightest stars of the world discus throw will compete on the second Saturday of September at the Vingis Park stadium not only for the winner’s title – Mykolas Alekna, Roje Stone, and Kristjan Čeh’s best season results exceed the stadium record set by Virgilijus Alekna in 2007 (70.01 m). Additional motivation for Mykolas Alekna will be that the competition takes place in the stadium where his discus throw career began:
“I like the stadium’s location itself, being in a park among trees, in nature. I have been training here since I was little, so this stadium feels like home – it gives a magical feeling because I have spent a lot of time here, and the memories remain. And speaking about the competition conditions at this stadium – discus throwers don’t need much – a concrete sector and a grass field. The conditions at this stadium are more than enough, and everything needed to achieve high results is here.”
The entire Alekna family is involved in organizing the competition. Spectators in the discus throw sector will also see the elder Martynas Alekna, the competition will be opened by the throw of father Virgilijus, and mother Kristina significantly contributes by organizing not only the main discus throw competition but also the “CUP” children’s sprint and “Emsi” 400 m family runs, with help from the youngest Gabrielle.
“The main idea is to gather as many people and children as possible and introduce them to athletics – to show throws, runs, professional athletes, how competitions take place. I think it brings great benefits to the city, community, and children who will decide to follow the path of sports and healthy living in the future. It is a very important event, and it’s great to be part of it,” says Mykolas Alekna happily.
The Vilnius Mayor’s Cup competition on September 12 at Vingis Park stadium (M.K. Čiurlionis St. 112) will start at 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Read more «Rytas» newcomer arriving in Vilnius: «I am extremely motivated»
