Australia's Matt Denny sets new discus world record only for it to be beaten by arch rival minutes later
Matt Denny has been dealt the harsh realities of elite sport as he shattered the discus world record to only have the sensational feat stolen from him by a fierce rival.
The Australian star wrapped up one of the best weeks of his professional career as he unleashed a sensational 74.78m throw to set a new discus world record.
Denny had improved his best result three times in seven days before setting the world record, but his achievement was then overshadowed by the efforts of Mykolas Alekna.
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The Lithuanian powerhouse was the previous world record holder in the discus event, having set the world record at 74.35m in 2024 before claiming silver at the Olympics.
Alekna's achievement last season was the first time the world record had been broken since 1986. Just 12 months later, he became the first to break the 75m mark.
Mykolas Alekna (L) looks on next to Matthew Denny during the Olympic final. Corbis via Getty Images
The 22-year-old smashed his own record in the first round of the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational to surpass Denny with a distance of 74.89 metres.
He followed his efforts in the fourth round with a remarkable throw of 75.56m.
"It sounds amazing [to be a world record holder]," Alekna told Citiusmag after the event.
"I'm on the right track. I came to this meet with a clear mission.
"I knew if I didn't improve the world record that Matt was going to do it so it was really intense and competitive."
Matthew Denny of Queensland looks on in the Mens Discus Throw Final. Getty
Denny admitted that he was "disappointed" to have his world record stolen from him but was confident his improved performances will see him retain the title soon.
"To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed," he told Citiusmag.
"We've been building really well throughout the week and training really well.
"I was just struggling with the grip on the back but just couldn't get the fly.
"Obviously it is a pb which is awesome but we came here with the focus of ending with the world record.
"I knew Mykolas was going to come here in shape. I'm still just trying to figure out where it sits with me... it's going to be a long year but it's a good start to the season."
Mykolas Alekna competes in the men's discus throw final Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty
Alekna conceded that while his throws continue to leave many stunned, he still has more power left in him to improve the world record further.
"I think I can throw even further but I will keep it for next year," he said.
"As I get older my (throws) are getting better and its going to keep getting better.
"I'll reach my peak hopefully in the next five years."
While Alekna looks to continue on the road to greater success, Denny will look to seek revenge at the world titles in Tokyo in September.
The 28-year-old Queenslander has stood atop of the podium in the past two Diamond League finals and also finished in the top six at three of the recent world championships.
