Stona plans to close season with Zagreb high

ZAGREB, Croatia (CMC):

JAMAICA’S ROJE Stona, reigning Olympic discus champion, is set to headline the men’s discus throw at the 74th Boris Hanžeković Memorial, where he will face some of the world’s top athletes in the sport.

Second time out since his Olympic victory with a record-setting 70-metre throw, Stona has been training intensely in Zagreb, ready to end his season on a high note at the Mladost Stadium on September 8.

“I’m giving this my all since it’s my final competition of the season,” said Stona.

“The same elite group from Paris will be here, so I’m expecting a tough competition with some long throws. Weather permitting, I’m aiming to break the meeting record of 68.87 metres. Last week, I managed 67.85 metres, so my goal is to push beyond 68 metres, maybe even more.”

Stona’s path to victory won’t be easy, as he faces stiff competition from former world champion Kristjan Čeh. Čeh, who has thrown 70.48 this year and boasts a personal best of 71.86, claimed victory in Zagreb last year with a throw of 68.48 and is a strong contender for the win.

The competition will also feature 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, Matthew Denny, who has a season’s best 69.35, and Reggie Jaegers III, who’s best this season is 69.16. Adding to the excitement is Croatia’s own Martin Marković, the nation’s top discus thrower, making this a highly anticipated event where throws could surpass 70.