Paris, France — In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Jamaica’s Roje Stona sent shockwaves through the track and field community with a record-breaking performance in the men’s discus at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On a frenzied Wednesday night at Stade de France, Stona hurled the discus an astounding 70.0 meters, securing a gold medal and etching his name into the Olympic history books.
This remarkable throw not only earned Stona the gold medal but also set a new Olympic record, surpassing the previous mark of 69.89 meters. Lithuania’s Mykolas Alekna claimed the silver with a throw of 69.97 meters, while Austria’s Matthew Denny took home the bronze with a distance of 69.31 meters.
Stona’s victory marks a historic moment for Jamaica, as it is the country’s first-ever medal in the men’s discus. This achievement contributes to Jamaica’s total medal tally of five, which includes one gold, three silver, and one bronze.
The North American, Central American, and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-23 gold and silver medalist began his series with moderate throws before delivering his record-setting throw on his fourth attempt. Despite fouling on his last two attempts, Stona’s monumental effort was enough to secure the top spot on the podium.
Alekna, who initially set the new Olympic record with a throw of 69.97 meters, started strong with an opening throw of 68.55 meters. He remained competitive throughout, with subsequent throws of 68.88 meters and 68.49 meters, but ultimately could not surpass Stona’s mark.
Fourth field event medal
Stona’s Jamaican teammates, Ralsford Mullings and Traves Smikle, also performed commendably, recording throws of 65.61 meters and 64.97 meters, respectively.
This gold medal in discus represents Jamaica’s fourth medal in field events at these games, highlighting a remarkable performance from a nation traditionally known for its sprinting excellence. Earlier, Rajindra Campbell secured a bronze medal in the men’s shot put, an event dominated by American Ryan Crouser, a three-time Olympic champion and two-time World Champion, who also coaches Stona.
Shanieka Ricketts added a silver medal in the women’s triple jump, while Wayne Pinnock earned silver in the men’s long jump, contributing to Jamaica’s impressive field event successes.
In other events, the Jamaican trio of Hansle Parchment, Orlando Bennett, and Rasheed Broadbell advanced to the final of the men’s 110m hurdles. Parchment, the defending champion, finished third in his semi-final with a season-best time of 13.19 seconds, while American World Champion Grant Holloway won the race in 12.98 seconds. Broadbell narrowly won semi-final two in 13.21 seconds, and Bennett triumphed in semi-final three with a time of 13.09 seconds.
Jaydon Hibbert progressed in the men’s triple jump despite a knee injury, recording jumps of 16.99 meters and 16.95 meters before fouling his third attempt. His compatriot, Jordan Scott, did not advance, achieving only 16.36 meters.
Clarke sole rep in men’s 400m hurdles final
Roshawn Clarke was the sole Jamaican to advance from the men’s 400m hurdles semi-finals, finishing second in his heat with a time of 48.34 seconds, behind American Rai Benjamin, who clocked 47.85 seconds. Jaheel Hyde and Malik James-King both failed to advance, with Hyde finishing seventh and James-King stumbling on the final hurdle to also finish seventh.
In the men’s 200m semi-finals, Bryan Levell finished eighth in his heat with a time of 20.93 seconds. American Kenneth Bednarek won the race in 20.0 seconds. The second semi-final saw Letsile Tebogo victorious in 19.96 seconds, followed by Noah Lyles in 20.08 seconds. Erriyon Knighton won the third semi-final in 20.09 seconds, ensuring a strong American presence in the final.
Jamaica’s women faced disappointment in the 400m semi-finals, with Junelle Bromfield finishing last in her heat with a time of 51.93 seconds. Nickisha Pryce, considered a strong contender, finished fourth in her heat with a time of 50.77 seconds, falling short of expectations.
Although no Jamaican runners made the men’s 400m final, the Caribbean was represented by Grenada’s Kirani James and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards. James led into the home straight but was overtaken by Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith and eventually finished second to American Quincy Hall, who won with a personal best of 43.40 seconds. Hudson-Smith set an area record with his time of 43.44 seconds, while Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga finished third with a national record of 43.74 seconds. Richards finished fourth, also setting a national record with 43.78 seconds.
