In a turn of fate described by Matt Denny as “insane” on day three of the world athletics championships in Budapest, the Australian discus ace launched a throw that would have won a medal at every previous edition of the major, yet on this occasion left him with fourth place.
Last year’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist even eclipsed the Australian record that had stood for 10 years, held by Benn Harradine, but his throw of 68.24 metres was outdone by reigning Olympic champion Daniel Stahl, reigning world champion Kristian Ceh and 2022 European champion Mykolas Alenka.
Sweden’s Stahl produced a throw of 71.46 metres to shatter the world championships record, Slovenia’s Ceh chalked up a 70.02 to claim silver and Lithuania’s Alenka banged out a 68.85 to collect bronze.
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“To throw 68.24 (metres) and miss out on a medal is insane. It is one of the biggest non-medalling throws ever and shows the depth of men’s discus at the moment,” Denny said.
“I want to be super happy but I am not going to BS people thinking I am happy with fourth. I’m not. I’m here to win majors and make history.
“People can call me hard on myself but that is the game we are in. We want to win. That was the goal, that was the aim.
“I am super proud to get that Australian record. I have been searching for it for a long time, but in the same breath we still have more to do. We still have more to find to achieve the things we want to achieve.”
Day three of the world championships also saw Australian Nina Kennedy advance to the final of the women’s pole vault.
Last year’s world championships bronze medallist soared to heights of 4.50 metres, 4.60 metres and 4.65 metres to secure automatic qualification for the decider, to be held from 3.30am on Thursday (AEST).
“4.65 is the highest we have ever had to jump to get into the final. If you look closely, the surface is slightly sloped down, so the girls were just jumping out of their skin tonight,” Kennedy said.
“These girls, so many of them were jumping PBs (personal bests) out there and it’s a qualification.
“It’s fast, it’s hot and I think we will see some big heights in the final.”
Kennedy’s personal best of 4.82 metres is the Australian record.
The Western Australian is also the defending Diamond League champion and reigning Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
“My process has stayed the same, but the belief I have in myself is a lot different (to in 2022),” Kennedy said.
“I was going to worlds last year hoping to do my best but now I come to these worlds wanting to win. It’s no secret that I want to be on that podium and I want to be at the top.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Sarah Carli bowed out of the women’s 400-metre hurdles on day three of the Budapest major.
The two-time national champion stopped the clock at 55.76 to finish fifth in her heat.
On day four of the world championships, Michelle Jenneke (women’s 100-metre hurdles heats), Peter Bol, Joseph Deng and Riley McGown (men’s 800-metre heats), Brandon Starc (men’s high jump final) and Jessica Hull (women’s 1500-metre final) will all be in action.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.