Report01 Sep 2011


Women's Javelin Throw - Qualification - No surprises as all contenders advance

FacebookTwitterEmail

Christina Obergfoll in action at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu (© Getty Images)

As the javelin is such a rhythm event qualification can sometimes be a precarious business and many a great thrower has succumbed – not, though, today as the high profile names all qualified without a hiccup.


Christina Obergfoll has dominated on the circuit this season with no less than five Samsung Diamond League wins behind her and the German backed up that form in stunning fashion. Inside a noisy Daegu Stadium her first round effort registered 68.72m – the third longest throw in the world this year - and her second longest. Job done.


It also raised expectations that the 30-year-old could finally shed her tag as the nearly woman of the javelin. She has twice won World silver and is also a European silver and Olympic bronze medallist.


Sunette Viljeon of South Africa was the second longest qualifier as she exposed her medal credentials with a splendid 65.34m throw in Pool B. The African record holder has steadily improved this season and as a two-time Commonwealth and World University Games gold medallist is more than capable of excelling in championships.


The World leader Barbora Spotakova also did what she needed to with the minimum of effort. The Czech, who is the reigning Olympic champion not to mention World Record holder, hurled the spear out to 63.40m with her opening throw in pool B to book her safe passage into the final.


Elsewhere, there were few surprises. With the very first throw of pool A qualifying Obergfoll’s compatriot Katharina Molitor will be more than satisfied with an impressive 63.52m to advance.


Olympic silver medallist Mariya Abakumova, though, made slightly harder work of the task. The Russian champion was red-flagged for her first effort but a 62.49m throw with her second was good enough to go beyond the 61.00m automatic qualification distance.


Olympic fourth-place finisher Goldie Sayers of Great Britain was the only other automatic qualifier from pool A with 62.19m. Slovenian record holder Martina Ratej will also take her place in the final after logging 61.58m in Pool B.


European champion Linda Stahl ensured a full complement of three Germans will contest tomorrow’s 12-strong final. Her best of 60.21m was the ninth best throw in qualifying.


Steve Landells for the IAAF


Pages related to this article
DisciplinesCompetitions
Loading...