2023-05-19 15:15:15
Discus thrower Lukas Weißhaidinger has broken the 70 meter barrier for the first time in his career. The 31-year-old from Upper Austria threw the discus to 70.68 m in good conditions at the meeting in Schwechat on Friday, setting a new Austrian record. The Olympic bronze medalist from Tokyo achieved his best performance to date in Eisenstadt last year with 69.11 m.
“It’s something very special. A sound barrier similar to ten seconds over 100 meters. The distance is equivalent to the Olympic medal, I don’t know what’s more valuable,” Weißhaidinger said happily in the APA interview. “I’m now in the 70m throwers’ club. It’s a big lift from my heart, we’ll definitely toast with a glass of sparkling wine.” Weißhaidinger had already reached the World Cup limit in Lower Austria on Wednesday with a throw of 67.90 m in rain and gusts.
On Friday, the best distance was reached in sunshine and significantly warmer temperatures of around 18 degrees in the second attempt. However, the wind came from the wrong side and the conditions were “not perfect, but good”. “I hope I can copy the throw a few more times this year. I’ll remember it like the Olympics,” said Weißhaidinger.
Weißhaidinger currently occupies third place in the year’s world best list. “We did a lot right this year. That was an exclamation mark, it gives me self-confidence and security. I hope it inspires me,” he said. Only European Champion Mykolas Alekna (71.00) from Lithuania and Slovenian World Champion Kristjan Ceh (70.89) managed better distances this year. Weißhaidinger will contest the next competitions in Austria, in August the World Championships in Budapest are on the agenda.
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