The Javelin Throw was a one hit competition. Finland’s World Champion Tero Pitkämäki’s first round 88.19m was in a league of its own this afternoon.
With world season leader Breaux Greer (USA) having finished his season at the Brussels Golden League meeting just over a week ago, Stuttgart was always going to be a two-way battle between the Finn and Norway’s Olympic gold medallist Andreas Thorkildsen.
The Norwegian’s first round had been 80.66 but his response in the second series to Pitkämäki’s lead was solid with 85.06m.
That was the quality meat of the competition concluded as both the protagonists’ next throws were good but not of this standard – 83.66 (Thorkildsen) and 82.02 (Pitkämäki).
Of note, Sweden’s Magnus Arvidsson put together another fine performance for third place - 81.91, 80.51, 83.37, 82.42. The only other man over 80m in this very top heavy competition of quality was Finland’s Teemu Wirkkala’s 80.20.
"My goal today was to throw over 90m but at the first throw I hurt a toe on my left foot," said Pitkämäki. "That was so painful and after that I couldn't throw as I wnated to. It was amazing to compete here. Great auduence in Stuttgart!"
"The only goal I didn't reach this season was my personal record. That will be my goal next year."
Chris Turner for the IAAF
