Rose claims Samoa's first World Champs medal

By Shalveen Chand 22 September 2025, 3:50PM

Alex Rose’s bronze medal discus throw of 66.96 metres at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships has made him the first-ever Samoan medalist at the prestigious event.

Rose also became the first Pacific man to win a medal at the competition.

Sweden's Daniel Stahl, who threw 70.47m, claimed the gold medal, while Lithuania's Mykolas Alekna secured the silver with a throw of 67.84m.

Australia’s Matt Denny held the bronze medal position with a throw of 65.57m until Rose stepped up.

Rose described his achievement as a dream come true. “This is one of the greatest moments of my entire life, and it's been 20 years in the making.

“I was never the favourite. I did not throw 60 metres until I was out of college. I didn't make a final until I was 30 years old. I almost quit so many times. The last time I was here, I failed to make the final. I fell on my face and almost quit the sport,” Rose told the media after the event.

“To come back here and do what I just did, there is no feeling like it. The young Pacific Island athletes never give up. I work a full-time job and took time off from my company to compete here.”

Although Rose was born in the United States, he holds dual citizenship with Samoa through his father, who emigrated to the US at 19.

By Shalveen Chand 22 September 2025, 3:50PM
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