Coaching a rising talent on Friday and throwing the discus on Saturday, this weekend’s Adelaide Invitational is a glimpse into the busy life of Michal Burian in 2026. The Paralympic javelin star is determined not to let a year without opportunity be exactly that.
Burian was left dejected after the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Flying home with a torn calf sustained in the final of the Javelin Throw F44 where the former world record holder slumped to sixth place, his next chance at redemption would have to wait until 2027.
That could have left 2026 in limbo, but the Paralympic medallist quickly got back to doing what has largely defined his life – taking opportunities.
Already a High Performance Development Coach at Australian Athletics, Burian noted that the discus throw is on the Commonwealth Games for his classification, and so began his mission.
“It’s less aggressive on the body, nothing hurts from discus compared to javelin. You don’t have to run 30-metres and stop on a dot! It’s been a nice break for the body and the mind,” Burian says.
“It has been an opportunity for me to learn how to coach discus. It’s opened up the door for the rotational throws and whenever I coach, I can relate to the movement better because I’m doing it myself.”
Burian’s new worlds will collide at the Adelaide Invitational, where he coached Mackenzie Mielczareck to third place in the Women’s Javelin Throw last night, today returning to chase a Commonwealth Games qualifier in the Heath Conveyancing Men’s Discus Throw.
“It’s definitely possible, very close actually! In my first competition I was three metres off the magical distance, and there is more in the tank,” Burian says.
“Maybe with a bit more atmosphere and adrenaline, I can produce it.”
The two-time Paralympian has been maintaining his javelin expertise despite his new ventures, rubbing shoulders with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage through a mutual connection – the international visitor owning an 86.50m personal best and claiming seventh place at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
“It is quite ridiculous what he can produce even from a standing throw. From my point of view as a coach and javelin enthusiast, it’s quite incredible to see him belting them out with no effort,” Burian says.
“It’s a joy to watch and obviously I’m interested in what they are doing.”
Challenging himself to take opportunities when they arise, Burian’s tale is far from finished on the world stage, with vengeance on his mind ahead of the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships and 2028 Paralympic Games.
“Ever since I moved to Australia, I listened to my uncle who told me to be a sponge. I pick up and absorb the good things, and filter between the bad,” Burian says.
“At the same time, when I go back to javelin it is like riding a bike. I’m actually throwing much better than I was throughout the last year when I was full-time javelin.”
Burian will compete in the Heath Conveyancing Men’s Discus Throw at the Adelaide Invitational, taking place at 5:40pm ACDT on Saturday, March 14.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 14/3/2026
