Kiwi shot put star Tom Walsh has won the Diamond League competition in Paris.
The 24-year-old, who picked up bronze in Rio, beat Olympic champion Ryan Crouser and fellow American Kurt Roberts, with a meeting record throw of 22 metres.
Walsh edged Crouser by 1cm, and the two found themselves well clear of the chasing field.
The distance was a New Zealand and Oceania record. It surpassed Walsh's previous indoor (21.62m) and outdoor (21.78m) marks and was well clear of his best effort in Rio of 21.36m.
It was no fluke, with Walsh having taken the early lead in the second round with his throw of 21.81m.
Both distances eclipsed the meet record of Swiss great Werner Gunthor's, which has stood for 24 years.
"I knew I was in good shape but I didn't expect to throw so far," Walsh said.
"After Rio, I had something to prove. The stadium, the fans, everything was perfect tonight."
The win lifts Walsh to the top of the lucrative Diamond League standings, sitting four points clear of American Joe Kovacs.
Results:
1. Tomas Walsh - (NZL) 22.00 m
2. Ryan Crouser - (USA) 21.99
3. Kurt Roberts - (USA) 20.78
4. Ryan Whiting - (USA) 20.65
5. Konrad Bukowiecki - (POL) 20.36
6. Darrell Hill - (USA) 20.30
7. Franck Elemba Owaka - (CGO) 20.27
8. Joe Kovacs - (USA) 20.18
9. Michal Haratyk - (POL) 19.60
10. Darlan Romani - (BRA) 19.47
11. Frederic Dagee - (FRA) 17.70
Newshub.
