Denny chases rare hammer/discus double
Published Tue 03 Apr 2018
Matthew Denny will use home crowd support to boost his pursuit
The 21-year-old from the Queensland town of Allora (population less than 1000) is aiming to become only the second athlete to medal in both the hammer and discus throw at the same Commonwealth Games.
George Sutherland (CAN) was the other, with gold in the hammer and discus bronze at the Sydney 1938 British Empire Games.
"We're in unexplored territory doing this double," said Denny after training with his Australian teammates. He enters the competition as the third-ranked Commonwealth thrower in both events this year.
"I enjoy the fact I can throw personal bests in both events to break from the norm."
In 2016, Denny was the first Australian in 63 years to claim the hammer and discus double at the Australian Championships (following Keith Pardon in 1953).
Denny will draw on the support of more than 100 family and friends, many from Allora, who have secured seats close to the throwing circle for both events.
"Knowing Carrara Stadium will be packed out by Australians will be huge," said Denny who was part of the torch relay during the week.
"It's the first event (hammer final) to kick off the excitement in Carrara Stadium. If you can harness it the right way, it can create special moments."
The gold-medal favourites are current world leaders Fedrick Dacres (JAM) in the discus and Nick Miller (ENG) in the hammer.
The men's hammer final is on Sunday 8 April. The qualifying round for the men's discus is Thursday 12 April, followed by the final on Friday 13 April.