Lithuanian Discus Dynasty Celebrates Silver as Family Legacy Continues at World Athletics Championships
Budapest, Hungary – Virgil Alekna, patriarch of lithuania’s dominant discus-throwing family, expressed immense satisfaction following his son Michael Alekna’s silver medal performance at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. The achievement comes amidst a strong showing for Lithuanian throwers, and particularly poignant pride in Martynas Alekna’s seventh-place finish, despite a significant injury.
The Alekna family’s impact on the sport is undeniable. Virgil, a two-time Olympic champion and world champion himself, has guided both his sons to international success. Michael’s silver medal-a testament to years of dedication-is particularly meaningful given a recent fracture sustained by Martynas, who competed through the pain to secure a respectable seventh place. This familial success story underscores Lithuania‘s growing strength in throwing events and sets the stage for continued competition on the world stage.
Alongside Michael and Martynas, Lithuania saw strong performances from several athletes at the championships. Andrius Gudลพius finished sixth in the discus throw, while his fellow Lithuanian, Ieva gumbs, placed 22nd in the women’s discus. Eddis Matuseviฤius achieved 13th place in the men’s javelin throw, as did Beatrice Juลกkeviฤiลซtฤ in the women’s heptathlon. Liveta Jasiลซnaitฤ finished 20th in the women’s javelin throw.
