Virgilijus Alekna made a bid to extend his Olympic discus domination in 2008, but fell short and settled for a bronze medal in Beijing. At age 37 he remained competitive in 2009, finishing fourth in the World Championships, then winning the World Athletic Final for the fourth time.
Double winner:
Alekna edged 1996 champ Lars Reidel to win the 2000 Olympic gold. Alekna gained the 2004 gold in Athens after apparent winner Robert Fazekas was disqualified for a doping violation. The Lithuanian was the first repeat discus champion since American Al Oerter won four in a row from 1956-68.
Hometown hero:
Highly renowned in his native Lithuania, Alekna was awarded the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas after winning his first Olympic championship.
Career highlights:
In addition to his Olympic success, Alekna won World Championships in 2003 and 2005 after taking silver medals in 1997 and 2001. His 37-meet winning streak ended in 2007.
The stats:
- Height: 6-7
- Weight: 287
- Birth date: February 13, 1972
- Hometown: Terpeikiai, Lithuania
- World Championships: Two
- Personal best: 73.88 meters (242 feet, 4 inches)
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