Discus event returns to Valley Isle

WAILUKU — The Maui International Discus Challenge, formerly known as the Maui Big Wind Discus Challenge, returns to the War Memorial Complex beginning today and running through Friday.

The event boasts 30 international athletes representing seven different nations. Last year, Suzy Powell-Roos set the current U.S. record in the discus with a throw of 222 feet.

Powell-Roos returns for the event this year, taking part in the ‘‘A’’ competition.

Other competitors on the women’s side include 1997 women’s world champion Beatrice Faumuina of New Zealand, 2004 NCAA national champion Becky Breisch of the U.S. and three-time U.S. champion and two time Olympian Aretha Hill-Thurmond.

Men’s competitors include 2007 men’s world champion Gerd Kanter of Estonia, three-time Olympian Jason Tunks of Canada, 2006 NCAA national champion Vikas Gowda of India, and U.S. Olympians Ian Waltz and Jarred Rome.