Athletics-Australia's Denny throws down challenge to discus rivals

FILE PHOTO: Athletics - Diamond League - Rome - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - August 30, 2024 Australia's Matthew Denny in action during the Men's Discus Throw REUTERS/Ciro De Luca/File Photo

(Reuters) -Australian discus thrower Matthew Denny launched himself into world championship contention with a 72.07-metre heave in Oklahoma on Sunday, becoming his nation's first to break the 70-metre barrier.

Denny's mark at the Oklahoma Throws Series ranks fifth all-time and is a boost for the Olympic bronze medallist as he builds for the World Championships in Tokyo in September.