Samoa on the Podium! Alex Rose Makes History at World Athletics Championships
Samoa Makes History!
"Lets go! Oh my God!" — the cry of discus thrower Alex Rose as he carved his name into Samoa’s history books with a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday, 21 September.
For the first time ever, Samoa stood on the podium at the World Athletics Championships.
Rose, 33, born in Michigan but proudly carrying the Samoan flag of his father’s homeland for more than 13 years, has battled for this moment across seven World Championships. From Moscow 2013 to now, he has worn Samoa’s colours with pride. His best finish before today was eighth in 2022 — until he finally smashed through with this breakthrough medal.
Even heavy rain couldn’t wash away destiny. The competition was suspended for hours, the throwing circle slick and dangerous. But when it mattered, Rose delivered — launching his discus 66.96m in round five, soaring into third place.
The final drama? Australian Matthew Denny was the only man left who could push him off the podium. But Denny fouled, and instead walked over to congratulate Rose. The Samoan champion leapt in joy, fists pumping, before embracing Sweden’s Daniel Ståhl.
That hug sparked more fireworks — Ståhl unleashed a monster throw of 70.47m to win gold. But for Samoa, the night belonged to Alex Rose.
From a lone warrior carrying the Samoan flag in 2013, to standing tall as the nation’s first medallist in World Championships history, Rose has lifted Samoa onto the world stage.
This is more than a medal. This is history. This is pride. This is Samoa showing the world our strength.