Denny launches to second place at Marrakech Diamond League

Australian record holder Matthew Denny has wowed crowds at the Marrakech Diamond League, propelling the discus to second place in the early hours of this morning.

Clinching his seventh consecutive podium finish this season, the Allora product threw 67.74m on his first attempt, defeating a field that included Olympic champion Daniel Stahl (SWE) and world champion Kristjan Ceh (SLO).

Conquered only by world record holder Mykolas Alekna (LTU) with a throw of 70.70, Denny put down the fifth best performance of his career but knows there is much more to come in his build up to the Paris Olympics.

“Today was an interesting one. I’m happy with being in the top-3 again and being competitive but Alekna was out there with a 70m throw and I just couldn’t find the rhythm for the big throw today,” Denny said.

“This is the most competitive I’ve been over the last eight or nine months but I could still say that I’m not content with where I’m sitting or how I’m competing yet.

“There is still something that is ready to come out in competition where I’m just that bit better. I’m critical on myself but that’s what helps me continue progressing.”

The performance was more than a victory over his some of his biggest rivals, but another statement of intent from Denny as he gears up for the Paris Olympic Games.

“It gives me great confidence that I’m consistently competitive. I obviously want to throw well to be competitive and I did that to an extent today but my focus is winning. It’s great to know where I sit at this time in the season but at the same time it’s only May and the Olympics aren’t until August so there is the time still to find those bigger throws yet.”

The Wanda Diamond League continues next weekend in Eugene, USA, with no less than six Australians contesting the fifth meet of the world’s premier track and field series.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 20/5/2024