The discus throw at the World Championships in Athletics has been contested by both men and women since the inaugural edition in 1983.

The competition format typically has one qualifying round contested by two groups of athletes, with all those clearing the qualifying height or placing in top twelve overall advancing to the final round.

His 5 gold medals are the second-most for any athlete in a single individual event, a feat only bettered by Sergey Bubka in the pole vault.

Robert Harting is the only other athlete that has won more than two gold medals in the event.

Sandra Perković is the most decorated female athlete, with 5 medals in total.