Hlib Piskunov at the IAAF World Youth Championships, Cali 2015 (© Getty Images)
Capped by an 84.91m championship record throw, Hlib Piskunov produced the most dominant hammer victory in the history of the IAAF World Youth Championships.
The big throw by the 16-year-old from Ukraine beat his team-mate Mykhailo Havryliuk’s 78.93m best by nearly six metres, by far the widest margin of victory ever at these championships.
“I feel great for getting the gold and improving the championship record,” said Piskunov, whose throw elevated him to number four on the world youth all-time list. “And I feel very proud that my team-mate and I got the silver and gold medals.”
From his opening 83.19m throw, victory was never in doubt for Piskunov, who produced his big toss in the second round, and then added 83.70m and 81.10m efforts in rounds four and six.
His was the second win in the event for Ukraine and he led the first 1-2 finish by a single country in the event.
Havryliuk meanwhile clinched the silver with his second-round 77.87m effort, which he marginally improved upon to 78.93m in round four. Both were personal bests.
Ned Weatherly threw beyond 77 metres four times, his best of 77.60m good enough for the bronze, the second straight third place in this event for Australia.
Hungary’s Peter Szentivanszky, with 76.65m, was another metre back in fourth.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
