When Australia's Jarrod Bannister let rip on 29 February during the national championships at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Brisbane, Australia, it marked the culmination of a long rise to the top. Launching the javelin 89.02m to a new national and Area record, it was clear that at 23, Bannister had finally arrived on the world stage.

What is just as surprising is that towards the end of June with the European outdoor season in full swing that Bannister remains the season’s furthest thrower.