Matthew Denny in line to hammer history with medal in discus at Commonwealth Games

DARLING Downs thrower Queenslander Matthew Denny will aim to become the first man since 1938 to win a medal in the hammer throw and discus at the same Commonwealth Games.

DARLING Downs thrower Queenslander Matthew Denny will aim to become the first man since 1938 to win a medal in the hammer throw and discus at the same Commonwealth Games.

The discus preliminaries at Carrara Stadium represent a signpost on the freeway of ambition for Denny, 21, the Allora farmer’s son who is game enough to say publicly that his career ambition is to win an Olympic gold medal in both events at the same Games one day.

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Matthew Denny celebrates after winning the men's hammer throw.

Denny won a silver medal in Sunday’s hammer throw and as national champion in it and the discus is not inclined to say he regards either event as his first-string chance internationally.

Five Gold Coast Games discus rivals have a better season-best distance than Denny’s 64.03m, including Brisbane-based teammate Benn Harradine (64.67).

“I don’t really prioritise one over the other,’’ said Denny, a former world under-18 discus champion.

Denny won gold in the men’s discus at the Australian Athletics Championships in February.

“Discus and hammer are quite different in technical issue. I manage the load of training for both and then competing.

“I’m just glad I turned it around, winning the medal after the world titles last year (in which Denny missed the discus final).

“Fedrick Dacres will be hard to beat. If I commit and get it right it will hopefully be a great comp.’’

Brisbane teammate Benn Harradine is a strong medal hope for Australia in the event.

Dacres, from Jamaica is the favourite with five of the world’s and top-10 throws this year, including his season best of 69.83m.

Queenslander Mitch Cooper, who has been at a US college, is Australia’s third representative.

The discus and hammer throw are such clashing events in method that Denny is the first Australian in 68 years to represent his country in the two events at the same Commonwealth Games.

“I’m young in these events I have nothing but time and need to keep doing my best in every training session and every competition,’’ he said.

“I wanted to show my team what I’m all about in trying to be a better athlete.’’

Originally published as Matthew Denny in line to hammer history with medal in discus at Commonwealth Games