National record propels Denny to fourth place in Budapest

Australia’s premier discus thrower Matthew Denny has etched his name into the history books, breaking a decade-long national record before settling for an agonising fourth place at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. 

The groundbreaking feat unfolded on the world stage in Budapest as Denny (QLD, Dale Stevenson) unleashed the gargantuan throw of 68.24m on his fourth-round attempt, propelling himself into medal contention and surpassing Benn Harradine’s record by four-centimetres.

Producing a throw that would have earned him a medal at every other World Athletics Championships in history, Denny’s hunt for an elusive maiden global medal caused both heartbreak and elation for the 27-year-old, but it has fueled his determination to launch larger at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games next year.

“To throw 68.24m and miss out on a medal is insane. It is one of the biggest non-medalling throws ever and shows the depth of men’s discus at the moment,” Denny said.

“I want to be super happy but I am not going to BS people thinking I am happy with fourth. I’m not. I’m here to win majors and make history.

“People can call me hard on myself but that is the game we are in. We want to win. That was the goal, that was the aim. I am super proud to get that Australian record. I have been searching for it for a long time, but in the same breath we still have more to do. We still have more to find to achieve the things we want to achieve.”

The Allora product was defeated by the physical and metaphorical giants of the sport in reigning Olympic champion Daniel Stahl (SWE, 71.46m Championship Record), 2022 world champion Kristian Ceh (SLO, 70.02m) and world number three Mykolas Alenka (LTU, 68.85).

2022 global bronze medallist Nina Kennedy (WA, Paul Burgess) returned to the world stage tonight, confirming her status as a major contender for the Women’s Pole Vault title when qualifying for the final with a clean sheet.

The Western Australian made her presence known with a perfect run of first-attempt clearances at 4.50m, 4.60m and 4.65m to secure automatic qualification for Day Five’s final.  Kennedy was one of only four athletes in the 29-person field to achieve such a feat, but by her own admission, was taken aback by the quality field.

“4.65 is the highest we have ever had to jump to get into the final. If you look closely, the surface is slightly sloped down, so the girls were just jumping out of their skin tonight,” Kennedy said.

“These girls, so many of them were jumping PBs out there and it’s a qualification. It’s fast, it’s hot and I think we will see some big heights in the final.” 
Hungry to improve on her bronze medal win from last year, the 2022 Diamond League winner and Australian record holder at 4.82m says she’ll need to get ready to launch large, with a world-class contingent of women who have the ability to clear heights of a similar caliber. 

“My process has stayed the same, but the belief I have in myself is a lot different (to 2022). I was going to Worlds last year hoping to do my best but now I come to these Worlds wanting to win. It’s no secret that I want to be on that podium and I want to be at the top.”

Chasing a semi-finals start in the 400m Hurdles was Illawarra’s Sarah Carli (NSW, Melissa Logan) who produced a 55.76 performance over a lap of the Budapest track. Crossing the line fifth place of Heat Four as world champion Femke Bol took the win. The Financial Planner missed out on a non-automatic qualifying spot by one place. 

Day Four of the 2023 World Athletics Championships begins tomorrow at 2.40am, with the Australian action spearheaded by Jessica Hull in the Women’s 1500m Final and Brandon Starc in the Men’s High Jump Final. Australians can tune in live and free via SBS On Demand or beIN Sport. 

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 22/8/2023