How often does a son shatter his father’s world record, only for the achievement to flicker like a fleeting star for a mere 20 minutes? Such was the remarkable and ephemeral moment that unfolded at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Lithuanian prodigy, Mykolas Alekna, achieved a rare and stunning feat. For this 21-year-old, making history seems almost effortless, having begun his legacy at just 19. He became the youngest world discus medallist in history at the 2022 World Championships, where he claimed the silver medal and set the stage for his future triumphs.

Mykolas Alekna’s father, Virgilijus Alekna, once held the discus throw world record of 69.89 meters, set at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Fast forward 20 years, and who else but his own son would be the one to eclipse that mark at the Paris Olympics 2024? Mykolas, with a throw of 69.97 meters, barely surpassed the old record by less than 10 centimeters. Yet, the record’s glory was fleeting, as Jamaican athlete Roje Stona usurped it that very night with a throw of 70.0 meters, edging out Mykolas’s achievement by a slender 3 centimeters. “I’m happy to bring home a medal. I’m not sad or anything.” Well Mykolas is definitely happy to bring a medal whether it is gold or silver. “I had an Olympic record for a few throws; it was great to break it. It was a great experience . . . it is just pure joy. Of course, my expectation was to win, but sometimes it does not happen. I am so glad for this silver.”

Virgilijus Alekna was the trailblazer who brought renown to the discus throw in their homeland, first dazzling the world with gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He followed this triumph with another golden feat at the Athens Games four years later. Not content with just these monumental victories, he added a bronze to his illustrious collection at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and secured two world championship golds in 2003 and 2005, further etching his legacy into the annals of the sport.

As Roje Stona seized the gold medal and claimed the world record, he stole the spotlight from Mykolas Alekna with a remarkable achievement. Stona became the first non-European to dominate the discus throw and the first Jamaican man to medal in any throwing event. His victory also marked the first time a Jamaican had won gold in any field event at the Olympics. Yet, the discus throw alone wasn’t enough to quench his thirst for triumph.

Roje Stona: Discus thrower or footballer?

Earlier this year, he was spotted at the New Orleans Saints minicamp, and now NFL teams are keenly eyeing his diverse athletic prowess. With fall training camps in full swing for the NFL and Stona now basking in his Olympic glory, his dreams of football may be put on hold, as he revels in his newfound acclaim. “This is what I’ve been preparing for. This is what I dreamed of.” “To come here and actually do it, it’s one of the best feelings of my life.” Seems like Roje Stona is on a spree to achieve his dreams.  “I was excited to even get a call from a team, just knowing that they have an interest,” said Stona when he received calls from NFL teams.

The 6’6″, 260-pound powerhouse even showcased his skills at Arkansas’ pro day, where he was projected as a promising tight end or defensive end in the realm of football. “It’s been a long year for me, actually.” “I did shot put during the indoor season, then went to a couple of NFL training camps, and then took back up discus. Now, I’m here.” It definitely does not look like he is going to stop anytime soon. Having trained for shot put, attended a football camp, and now becoming an Olympic gold medalist against Mykolas Alekna, we can only wonder what sport is next for the 25-year-old athlete.