Grootfaam breaks 50-year-old Lynch discus record

PARAMARIBO – Alicia Grootfaam has made history by improving Suriname’s national discus throw record. Last weekend, she threw the discus to a distance of 40.61 meters, surpassing the previous national record of 40.52 meters.

The old record had stood in the name of Orlanda Lynch since March 7, 1976, remaining untouched for nearly half a century. The record-breaking throw was officially remeasured with a metal measuring tape by referee Marcia Perry, confirming the validity of the performance. With that, one of the longest-standing national records in athletics has come to an end.

The Suriname Athletics Federation reacted with delight to the historic achievement. “We congratulate athlete Alicia Grootfaam, her coach, and the club Profosoe, and look forward to many more achievements from her,” the federation said in a statement.