English
Discus world record-holder, Mykolas Alekna stole the show with victory by almost two meters, courtesy of a superb 68.64m third round effort.
The 21-year-old Lithuanian world bronze medalist – who launched a mammoth 74.35m throw in Oklahoma back in April to break the 38-year-old world record – followed up his wins in Rabat and Oslo, whilst Australia’s Matthew Denny celebrated his 28th birthday with second position.
The Olympic and world fourth-place finisher threw 66.75m in the sixth round to replicate his runner-up positions from Doha, Rabat and Oslo.
Alekna said afterwards: “I am happy with the victory but maybe not with my performance. I am probably a bit tired as I competed in Oslo just a couple of days ago. It is my first time competing in back to back Diamond Leagues so it is a good experience for me. It is all about the experience rather than the table but of course I would like to win the Diamond League.
“I love the fans here because they support every athlete, it does not matter which country you are from so that is special. I feel like I know the stadium well and the weather was good here. It was a little windy. I will go to Rome and hope to defend my title there.”
In the men’s 800m Algeria’s world silver medalist, Djamel Sedjati repeated his 2023 Stockholom victory with an impressive 1:43.23 world lead.
The 25-year-old finished comfortably clear of world indoor champion, Bryce Hoppel of the USA, who clocked 1:44.29.
Sedjati said afterwards: “I am very happy with today’s world lead in Stockholm, especially after my world lead in Ostrava some days ago. I have only raced twice this season in order to be ready for the Olympic Games in Paris in August. My goal for the next weeks is to run a new personal best and break the 1:43 barrier. Before the Olympics, I will only race the Diamond League in Paris and maybe Nice later this month.”
Nicola Sutton for the BAUHAUS-galan media team.
