When David Wiggins Jr. broke the world distance record in 2012, it was amazing. But when he recaptured it on March 28th with a throw exceeding 1,100 feet, it was mind blowing.
During the High Desert Distance Challenge in Primm, NV, Wiggins and reigning World Distance champ Simon Lizotte of Germany battled it out amid hefty winds. Both managed to amazingly surpass 1,000 feet, but it was Wiggins who landed in the history books with a record that will be incredibly hard to beat.
We caught up with the distance king from High Point, N.C., and asked him to share his thoughts about his latest marvel.
What was your reaction to hearing 338 meters (1,108.92 feet)?
I couldn’t believe the distance was real. I knew it went far, but I don’t think anyone could have guessed it traveled such a distance. Everything from the conditions, to the distances, were surreal.
How does this record feel different than when you broke it in 2012?
Honestly, both of them felt great! I went head to head against the best and still came out on top. The rules are lenient but they haven’t changed so my mindset for both throws was the same. This record took a big arm and the perfect line to fully take advantage from the wind.
What made you choose the R-Pro Boss instead of the Blizzard Boss you used in 2012?
The Boss is my go-to distance mold regardless of the conditions. I chose the R-Pro Boss for that throw because it was the right disc for those particular conditions. I needed a fast disc with good glide and under-stable flight all of which are characteristic of the R-pro Boss.
What’s your take on all of the heavy wind discussion?
I will be the first to admit the distance I threw wouldn’t be possible without aid from the wind, but what most people don’t realize is that this is true for almost all of the past distance records going back 20 or more years. Distance competitions have utilized the most favorable conditions for throwing far. Moving forward I think we will see changes in the format and regulations of distance throwing. That being said the names coming up on top are going to remain the same.
What was your strategy to throwing that day?
I had to adjust my throw / form for the conditions. In order to get the optimal flight out of the disc, I threw higher and with more anhyzer than I would under normal conditions. I knew if I hit my line right, that it could result in something huge.
Did you ever think throwing over 1100 feet was possible? Explain why or why not?
No, I never thought of 1100 feet as a possibility mainly because it is so much greater than any prior distance thrown. I thought 900 feet was attainable, with the right conditions but never did I think 1000+ feet was possible.
What did you do to celebrate?
I went to Dairy Queen! Haha. I turn 21 next month so I think I’ll save the celebrating for then.
What will you do with the record setting disc?
The record setting disc will claim a spot on the wall back at my home in NC.
