Gerard Walsh
Six months ago, Allora thrower Matthew Denny told The Town and Country Journal a throw of 70m would be needed to win the discus at the Olympic Games.
He was right on the money with his prediction and his own best throw of 69.31m to win bronze.
It was the first Olympic medal for the Southern Downs in athletics, three years ago, Matthew was fourth in the same event in Tokyo.
He started the games with a throw of 64.27m in qualifying and then an automatic qualifier for the finals of 66.83m so didn’t need his third preliminary throw.
In the final, Matthew started with a 66.89m and then 69.31m.
He threw a 68.39m and then fouled his fourth throw when his discus hit the side of the cage.
World record holder, Mykolas Alalena from Lithuania was second with 69.97m and the surprise winner was Roje Stona from Jamaica who hit the 70m marker with his fourth throw.
Matthew threw 69.15m and 66.44m with his fifth and sixth throws but they weren’t enough to beat his second throw of 69.31m which won bronze. The throw was only .04 under the national record he set in April.
Matthew was featured on Channel 9 throughout the games in a Qantas advertisement with his father John introducing Matthew heading to the Olympics to the crowd at the Railway Hotel in Allora.
The advertisement was made two months ago with participants involved for a day from 10am to 6pm.
Allora Sports Museum chairman Perry Cronin said Allora was known for its sports stars but it was unbelievable to have an Olympic medallist, saying, "He had already put Allora on the map."
After his medal win, Matthew said on Facebook he was just a “country kid living a dream”.
“Thanks to everyone for your incredible messages of support," he wrote. "(And) I am sorry I haven’t got back to you all yet but just know I am overwhelmed with your love and support.”
