Alekna Wins National, Pac-12 Awards

BERKELEY – After a stunning collegiate debut in the Cardinal Classic on Saturday, California track & field freshman Mykolas Alekna has been named the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Men's Athlete of the Week, in addition to the Pac-12 Men's Field Athlete of the Week, as announced by the USTFCCCA and Pac-12 Conference on Tuesday.

Alekna, the reigning U20 World and European champion in the discus throw, posted a mark of 62.63m (205-6) in Saturday's contest to set the Cal freshman record and move up to third on the program's all-time list. He currently leads the NCAA in the event.

This week's honor marks the first time that a male Golden Bear athlete has received the national award since 2015 at the latest, and the first Cal athlete since Camryn Rogers' win on April 6 of 2021.

"Mykolas has adapted exceptionally well to the college environment," said assistant coach Mohamed Saatara, who leads the throws squad. "He is a consummate student of his event and gets along well with his teammates while always staying positive and motivated."

Alekna and the Bears return to action at the Aztec Invitational in San Diego on March 25-26.
 
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