The 37-year-old already held the world record, after throwing a distance of 57.36 metres in front of a home crowd in Reykjavik two years ago.

Sveinsson would improve on the feat with an effort of 59.77m in the fourth round of competition at the Raul Guidobladi Stadium.

The javelin thrower will now set his sights on claiming gold at the London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in July.

The European champion claimed World Championship gold back in 2013 and will hope to repeat the feat.

"I've been waiting for it for a long time," said Sveinsson, who ended fifth in the F44 class at last year's Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"I wanted it in Rio.

"It's a really good start to the season, this is the season-opener and here in Rieti is a good place to set the record.

"Now I will go home, relax and my eyes are for London where I will try to get over 60 metres."

Italy's Assunta Legnante impressed in front of a home crowd in the women's F11 shot put competition, with the Paralympic champion triumphing with an effort of 16.95m.

Legnante, who is also the reigning world and European champion, came just 37 centimetres shy of her world record with the effort.

Italian success continued with Arjola Deda winning the women's T11 long jump with an effort of 4.59m, while her compatriot Anna Maria Mencoboni took silver on 3.55m.

Deda would also prevail in the T11 100m race in a time of 13.30 seconds, with fellow Italian Gaia Rizzo ending second after crossing the line in 16.01.

South Africa's Ilse Hayes would use the Grand Prix to continue her recovery from an Achilles injury, which she suffered in training earlier this year.

Hayes, a double Paralympic silver medallist at Rio 2016, won the women's T13 100m in a time of 12.53.

Italy's Carlotta Bertoli and Margherita Paciolla completed the podium places, ending in times of 14.37 and 14.83 respectively.

Hayes would also triumph in the 200m, winning the event in a time of 25.95.

Bertoli clocked 30.30 for second place, with bronze going to Paciolla in 32.39.