Roje Stona (born February 26, 1999) is a Jamaican track and field athlete who competes in the discus throw. Known for his remarkable strength and technique, Stona etched his name into the annals of history by securing Jamaica's first gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, setting a new Olympic record in the event.
Early Life
Born and raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Stona's athletic journey began at St. Jago High School. Known for its strong athletic program, St. Jago provided the foundation for Stona's burgeoning talent. His potential was evident early on, and he continued to hone his skills at Clemson University before transferring to the University of Arkansas, institutions renowned for their athletics programs.
Career
Stona's career trajectory has been marked by significant achievements and steady progress. He first made headlines in 2019 at the NACAC U23 Championships in Mexico, where he clinched the gold medal in the discus throw. His performance at the same event, where he won silver behind compatriot Kai Chang, showcased the depth of Jamaican talent in the field events.
In 2022, Stona qualified for the final of the discus at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, finishing a respectable sixth overall. His persistence and hard work bore fruit at the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Austin, Texas, where he was the runner-up in the discus.
Stona's international presence was further solidified at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he threw 62.57 meters. His dedication and consistent performance led him to achieve the Olympic qualifying mark in April 2024 at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational with a personal best of 69.05 meters.
Olympic Glory
The pinnacle of Stona's career came in Paris 2024, where he delivered a historic performance. Standing 6'6" and weighing 270 pounds, Stona brought a unique combination of power and agility to the field. Despite invitations to rookie minicamps by NFL teams like the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, Stona's focus remained on track and field.
In May 2024, he won the discus throw at the LA Grand Prix with a throw of 66.93 meters, a precursor to his Olympic success. Officially selected for the Jamaican team in July 2024, Stona's preparation culminated in a breathtaking display at the Stade de France.
On his fourth attempt, Stona threw an Olympic record of 70.00 meters, outclassing world record holder Mykolas Alekna of Lithuania, who took silver with a mark of 69.97 meters, and Australia's Matthew Denny, who secured bronze with 69.31 meters. Jamaica's other representatives, Traves Smikle and Ralford Mullings, finished ninth and tenth, respectively.
The Perfect Name for the Sport
It's almost as if destiny had a hand in naming Roje Stona. With a name that sounds like "stone," it's no wonder he excels in hurling a heavy disc across the field. One could say he was born to rock the discus! His name alone strikes fear into the hearts of his competitors, who must feel like they're up against a literal stone wall.
National Pride
Stona's victory is a testament to his relentless work ethic and the rigorous training regimen under the guidance of three-time Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser. His achievement is not only a personal triumph but a milestone for Jamaican athletics, symbolizing the country's expanding prowess beyond the sprints.
Fellow Jamaican thrower Traves Smikle praised Stona, saying, “I am so happy for him; it’s a big thing to see. Stona is a great thrower, and he showed it today. This is the beautiful thing about track and field; there are a lot of upsets, and Stona is having his moment.”
Back home, Jamaicans couldn't be prouder. The streets were filled with celebrations, with people waving flags and chanting Stona's name. In a country known for its sprinting dominance, Stona's gold represents a new chapter in Jamaican sports history, bringing immense pride to the nation.
Jamaica, renowned for its sprinting prowess, now celebrates a new hero in the field events. Stona's gold is part of a broader success story at the Paris Games, where field events brought home four of the country's five medals, including Rajindra Campbell’s shot put bronze, Shanieka Ricketts’ triple jump silver, and Wayne Pinnock’s long jump silver.
Roje Stona's historic victory heralds a new era of success and diversification in Jamaican athletics, promising an exciting future for the island's athletes across all disciplines. His story inspires a generation and showcases the limitless potential of Jamaican sports talent.