Alex Rose finally has a metal disc that he won’t fling as far as he can.

This one is a keeper.

A native of West Branch and resident of Grand Rapids, Rose made history by becoming the first representative of Samoa to earn a medal at the World Athletics Championship. Rose brought home the bronze for his third-place finish in discus at the international track and field games.

The 33-year-old remains on the rise in a sport known for its late bloomers. Last year, Rose achieved his highest finish in his third trip to the Olympic Games when he reached the finals and landed 12th place.

He was making his seventh appearance in the World Championship in Tokyo when he delivered a heave of historic proportions. He launched the discus 66.96 meters -- just shy of his personal best – and soared to thi

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