Olympic Medallist Denny set for Australian finale at Maurie Plant Meet before World Record Pursuit

One of Australia’s most dominant athletics stars Matthew Denny will make his final competitive appearance on home soil for 2025 at the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne on March 29, before heading to the United States to chase history.

Fresh of his best-ever season opener at last week’s Adelaide Invitational where he launched the discus to a world-leading 67.82m, the Olympic bronze medallist now has his sights set on an even bigger target – breaking the world record of 74.35m at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational.

Known as “Throw Town” within the sport, the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational has become a sacred ground for throwers, with its consistently favourable winds and competition. At the last edition in 2024, it was Lithuania’s Mykolas Alekna who broke the longest standing men’s world record from 1986, throwing the discus to 74.35m.

But first, he will make his mark at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium:

“I’m keen to get to Melbourne and put on a strong performance. Melbourne has become a second home for me over the last few years training down at Sandringham Athletics Club, and if we can get the conditions that are preferable for throwing, it’d be nice to get a good distance out there before heading over to the US,” Denny said.

“My season opener in Adelaide was my best ever, throwing 67.82m, which is a big improvement from my previous best of 65.50m. I’m looking forward to that momentum building in Melbourne.”

The Allora product has been on a rapid rise on the world stage in recent years. In 2024, he broke the Australian record twice including at the Paris Olympic Games where he threw 69.31m, as well as winning his second consecutive Diamond League title with a 69.96m throw.

With the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo looming this September, Denny is determined to cement his name among the sport’s greats.

“Last year was tough after losing my Dad and my focus had to shift off the field for a while. But we’ve learned a lot and it’s evidently showing in my performances. Last year I wasn’t hitting 67m early in the season now I am and I fully believe I’ve got a 75m throw in me,” Denny said.

“It’s about keeping my body in shape and staying healthy and attacking it with full commitment. Competing against the best always lifts me, but so does throwing big here in Australia, to show Australian fans what we do on the international stage. I’m really looking forward to that in Melbourne.”

Before he departs for the United States, the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne will be a crucial test for Denny as he takes on Olympians Connor Bell (NZL) and Lawrence Okoye (GBR).

While the Australian has had the upper hand on his international rivals at major championships, Bell has defeated the Australian discus king in Melbourne at the past two editions of the meet, and the Australian knows a win will only boost his chances abroad.

“It’ll be nice to get some really good throws out there, be consistent and soak up that competition energy before walking into Ramona [Oklahoma competition],” he said.

The Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne is part of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series, and has continued to grow as the crown jewel of the Australian domestic season, attracting elite talent from around the world.

Taking place at Lakeside Stadium, the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne is also supported by the Victorian Government through its Significant Sporting Events Program.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.