Australian Matthew Denny has again taken down some of his biggest rivals for an Olympic medal to claim second spot in the men's discus at the Marrakech Diamond League meet.
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World record holder Mykolas Alekna grabbed the win with 70.70m on Sunday (Monday AEST), but no one got closer to the powerhouse Lithuanian than Denny, whose first-round effort of 67.74m was the fifth best of his career.
Reigning Olympic gold medallist Daniel Stahl from Sweden (67.49m) was third and 2022 world champon Kristjan Ceh from Slovenia (66.04m) was back in seventh spot.
"Today was an interesting one," said Denny.
"I'm happy with being in the top-three again and being competitive but Alekna was out there with a 70m throw and I just couldn't find the rhythm for the big throw today.
"This is the most competitive I've been over the last eight or nine months but I could still say that I'm not content with where I'm sitting or how I'm competing yet.
"There is still something that is ready to come out in competition where I'm just that bit better.
"I'm critical on myself but that's what helps me continue progressing."
Reigning Commonwealth champion Denny, 27, has been edging ever closer to a first global podium finish in recent years, with fourth-placed finishes at the Tokyo Olympics and last year's world championships in Budapest.
He smashed his own Australian record with a huge heave of 69.35m last month at the national championships in Adelaide.
In other action in Marrakech, South African Prudence Sekgodiso won the women's 800m in one minute 57.26 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year.
From an Australian perspective, the women's 800m will be one of the most fascinating events of the Paris Olympics.
Teen sensation Claudia Hollingsworth and Commonwealth bronze medallist Abbey Caldwell have already locked in their spots after going 1-2 at the national titles.
The likes of national record holder Catriona Bisset and Bendere Oboya are vying for the sole remaining vacancy on the Olympic team.
The next Diamond League is in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Among the six Australians on the start lists are Olli Hoare and rising teen star Cameron Myers in the stacked Bowerman Mile.
Australian Associated Press
