Lining up in the discus will be the winners of all recent major championships. They will be trying to claim the top rung on the competitive ladder.
At the head of this year’s rankings is Robert FAZEKAS (HUN). He will be seeking to add this World title to the European Championship and World Cup gold medals he won in 2002. The 71.25m he threw at the World Cup in Madrid was the furthest ever at a major championship. This is a clear sign that he is able to produce under pressure.
Facing him will be five time, and reigning World champion, Lars RIEDEL (GER). Despite his burgeoning trophy cabinet, which includes an array of major medals, the German will be keen to secure World title number six.
As well as having been the victor at the Sydney Olympics, Virgilijus ALEKNA (LTU) has picked up two silver medals at the World Championships, in 1997 and 2001. Improving on that second place finish in Edmonton will be at the centre of his plans.
South African Frantz KRUGER is the holder of the remaining titles having taken Commonwealth gold in Manchester last year and the Goodwill Games title in Brisbane in 2001. He will be keen to make sure the athletes from the northern hemisphere don’t have things all their own way.
With third place finishes at the 2001 World Championships and at last year’s Europeans Michael MOLLENBECK (GER) could snatch a minor medal if the others falter.
