Saint-Denis, France – Jamaica, a country renowned for its top sprinters including Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, is now making a mark in field events. Roje Stona’s victory in the discus throw at the 2024 Olympics marked Jamaica’s fourth field event medal, a significant increase from their previous two in history. In contrast, Jamaica’s sprinters have only secured one medal in Paris thus far.
Stona’s remarkable performance included setting an Olympic record with a throw of 70 meters, following silver medals by Wayne Pinnock in men’s long jump, Shanieka Ricketts in women’s triple jump, and a bronze for Rajindra Campbell in men’s shot put. Stona emphasized the need for increased support for field events, stating they have been underrated compared to track events.
While Jamaican stars like Bolt, Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Asafa Powell, and Merlene Ottey have excelled in sprinting, Stona’s success in field events highlights a new dimension of Jamaican athletic prowess. Stona received coaching assistance from three-time Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser, who remarked on the intensity of coaching compared to competing.
Stona, a 25-year-old former athlete at Clemson and Arkansas, credited Crouser’s guidance for his winning throw, surmounting world-record holder Mykolas Alekna of Lithuania. Looking ahead, Stona expressed interest in pursuing a career in the NFL, having attended minicamps with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints as a defensive end with Crouser’s support.
Reflecting on his future in sports, Stona contemplated between continuing with discus throwing or transitioning to American football. Regardless, he highlighted Jamaica’s growing success in field events as a reason for national pride and celebration, echoing the triumphant spirit of Jamaican sprinting legend Bolt.
