For some, the pressure and expectations might forge diamonds – and Paris 2024 has no shortage of this type of athlete.
Lithuanian discus thrower Mykolas Alekna is poised to carry on the legacy of his father, Virgilijus, who holds an Olympic record in the same discipline.
His 69.89-meter throw in Athens 2004 guaranteed the then-32-year-old a second Olympic gold medal, having also won in Sydney 2000.
It was a record the elder Alekna was chasing his entire career and got close only once: a personal record of 73.88 meters thrown just before the Sydney Games.
“If you don’t change anything, you’ll be just like your father: without the world record,” Virgilijus said to Lithuanian news outlet Lrytas when asked what he said to his son a month prior to his record-breaking effort.
Persons:
Bronny James, LeBron, Mykolas Alekna, Virgilijus, Jürgen, Alekna, you’ll, ” Virgilijus, Mykolas
Organizations:
Sydney, Sydney Games
Locations:
Paris, Lithuanian, Athens