AN almost monastic existence combined with a change in both diet and training brought an unexpected early dividend for Nick Sweeney when he extended his Irish discus record to 67.40 metres in a meeting in California on Wednesday night.

Dubliner finished second to Tony Washington of the US, whose throw of 71.41 metres was the longest in the event for some years.

"It was only my second meet of the season and I was a little rusty. I am not consistent, but I would probably be a little nervous if I had found my consistency this early," Sweeney said last night from his base in San Jose.

"The throw was not technically perfect, but the wind was coming from the right and that carried it."

For the record, his opening throws were both fouls and, with the pressure mounting to remain in a competition which included several of the world's best throwers, he managed a 62.48 metre effort. His Irish record came in the fourth round while his only other valid throw, his final effort, was 64.56 metres.

Now based in the old discus throwing capital in California, with such greats as John Powell and Mac Wilkins offering help and encouragement, Sweeney has cut down on the poundage of weights he is lifting. "For the first time in years I have been completely healthy and injury free and I am maintaining my weight at 18 st, about one and half stone lighter than in previous years."