Three months ago – on March 18 – world record holder Mykolas Alekna underwent surgery on a torn pectoral muscle. Doctors then predicted that rehabilitation could take five or even six months. However, the 23-year-old athlete returned to the competition sector much faster, and the first start after the injury was more than solid.

On June 16, M. Alekna won the World Athletics bronze level competition “Heino Lipp Memorial” held in Jehvi, Estonia. The athlete, who was elected the country’s best athlete four times, threw the discus 70.60 m (66.56 – 67.67 – 69.28 – x – 70.60 – x) in the most successful attempt and overtook his extremely capable opponents – 2022 world champion Kristjan Ceh, world, Olympic and three-time world champion Daniel Stahl, 2024. The champion of the Paris Olympic Games Ray Stone.

Before this competition, Mykolas’ coach Mantas Jusis said that the decision to start earlier than expected was brave, but courage has always been one of Mykolas’ most striking qualities: “Probably it is because of such will, stubbornness and desire to constantly look for one’s own limits that world records are born. Lithuanian sport misses your shots.”

M. Alekna also plans to start in the “Diamond League” stage in Eugene (USA) on July 3-4, and later – on July 24-26 he is expected to see him at the Lithuanian championship in Palanga. The most important start of this season is August 10-16. The European Championship will take place in Birmingham (UK).

Photo by Alfredas Pliadis