Javelin record

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-22 06:50

Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic set a new European record last night when she won gold in the women's javelin throw.

The 26-year-old world champion gold medalist was trailing in second place until she produced 71.42m in the penultimate throw of the competition.

The throw beat that of Russian Maria Abakumova, who, herself, had set the European record moments earlier with a throw of 70.78m.

Abakuma desperately tried to wrest her lead back with her final throw but failed. Christina Obergfoll of Germany, silver medalist at the last two world championships, was third with 66.13m.

Spotakova was an heptahlete in her early career before specializing in the javelin.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/22/2008 page6)