The British discus thrower improved his championship record of 68.81m in Birmingham and believes his best performances are yet to come this summer.
Lawrence Okoye is clearly in the form of his life ahead of the European Championships in Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Four years ago, she won minor medals in both events and will go for gold this summer.
After setting a British Record: 71.88m at Ramona Earlier this summer, he improved his championship record from 65.93m to 68.81m at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium on Saturday (June 20). “It’s great to throw well in the same stadium where the Europeans will be in a few weeks,” he said.
Okoye’s big throw, 34, came in round two, with a further 65.73m effort in round three, with Nick Percy second with 60.27m and Dillon Claydon third with a PB of 55.33m.
“Today was all about the long throw and my three throws,” he said, “so I’m pleased to have thrown 68m and won the UK title.”
“It’s always great to perform in Birmingham. To be back here for the European Championships in the summer is great and something I’m looking forward to doing in front of the home crowd.”
Okoye believes he can mix it with the world’s best and that will put him in contention for medals at the Europeans. He would like to get his training partner Matt Denny of Australia in the Commonwealth Games as well.
He says the “process” is more important to him than the medals.
Earlier this month, he said AW:“My goals for the season are just to hit my ceiling. Training has shown that I am capable of being the best in the world, but still not every time.”
He added: “I really don’t care to think. “Oh, I can get a medal in the Commonwealth!” It doesn’t mean much to me unless it also means I can get a medal at the Worlds or the Olympics. It motivates me to improve day by day, much more than medals.”
He enjoyed his progress in the discus on the world stage at the 2012 London Olympics, but has had a fascination with rugby and American football.
“I’ve had so many experiences in so many different worlds that I feel like I’ve lived four or five different lives,” he reflects. “When I look at the sum total of my life so far, it’s hard to say that everything has gone wrong or been bad. I’ve been incredibly privileged and very lucky.”
How does he compare his 2026 version to the London 2012 javelin?
“In 2012, I really relied on pure physicality,” he says. “My technique was lacking, but I was totally committed to that approach and made the most of what I had.
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“Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot more about the best way to throw. Our knowledge of the disc has changed as science has changed. you grow up listening to one theory, then new ideas emerge.
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He adds: “When the dam breaks, the whole plain will flood,” he says. “I’m just waiting for the moment when I get it right in the competition, when instead of a 66 I throw a 69 or a 70. It’s definitely within me, it’s just about getting it right on the day.”
Anna Purchase became the first gold medalist of the weekend when she threw 71.88m to win the women’s hammer ahead of Charlotte Payne’s 70.25m.
The Texas-based athlete exceeded the European Championship qualification standards and said: “I had a bit of an injury last week so I was healing all week so I really had to trust my team and my training heading into the championship. I’m very proud that I still had a good throw there and won again. So I would say this title means the most that I have three UK titles.”
