WFDF recognizes new flying disc distance record of 263.20 meters with throw by Simon Lizottte (GER)

In Official Communication, Press Release * Official Communication by WFDF

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The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) is pleased to announce that it has officially recognized a new world record for the longest outdoor throw of a flying disc.  On Saturday October 25, 2014, Germany’s Simon Lizotte threw the disc an incredible 263.2 meters (863.5 feet) while competing at the Fall Desert Wind Open Distance event in Primm, Nevada, USA. Lizotte’s throw flew the length of two and a half regulation football (soccer) pitches. Lizotte was using a 157g Innova Blizzard Boss disc and threw with a 17mph wind at his back, with the throw confirmed by a spotter using an approved distance finder.

“The distance record is one of the most iconic of all flying disc world records,” said WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch.  “Technology and innovation in the world of disc manufacturing has been steadily boosting these distance records over the past 45 years, with alterations in the shape of the rims and flight plates, the sharpness of the edges, and the materials used for the molds among other things playing a significant role in adding distance, grip, and stability.  But in the end, it is the perfection of throwing technique combined with athletic ability that has permitted such achievements.”

Lizotte, aged 21, from Bremen, Germany, is a rising star in the sport of Disc Golf.  He is currently ranked #12 in the world by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) with 51 career wins and earnings of almost US$35,000.  Born to a family of Disc Golfers, Lizotte has been throwing a frisbee since he was 2 years old. His Disc Golf skills have brought him significant success Europe, as he was the Disc Golf European Champion in 2012 and the PDGA EuroTour winner in 2013. Lizotte is currently competing in the USA in PDGA National Tour events.  He is well known for his strong arm as he not only has the longest drive in the game but he also holds the unofficial record for the fastest throw ever recorded at 144km/h (89.5mph).

The previous world record holder, David Wiggins Jr. of the USA, was at the event as well and didn’t hesitate to celebrate with Lizotte after the reading came back. Wiggins broke the world record in 2012 at the age of 16 with a distance of 255.0 meters, besting the longstanding record of 250.0 meters set by Christian Sandstrom of Sweden in 2002.  WFDF and its predecessors have maintained frisbee world records since 1970.  The first distance record was set by Victor Malafronte of the USA at a distance of 84.1 meters. The first throw over 100 meters was made in 1974, again by Malafronte.  The first throw over 150 meters was not made until 1980, by Tetsuro Arita of Japan, and 200 meters was not broken until 1995 by Scott Stokley of the USA.