Czech javelin star Barbora Špotáková, who briefly wore the colors of the University of Minnesota, earned a silver medal in the women's javelin at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea today.
Špotáková, who led early in the competition, threw her implement a season-best 234-10 in the competition's fifth round to regain the gold medal position. Russia's Maria Abakumova, however, responded with a launch of 236-2 later in the round to retake the lead and, ultimately, claim the gold medal from the world record-holder.
"How can I describe this competition - it was just crazy and amazing, there are not many competitions like this in the athletic history," Špotáková said afterward. "Who would even imagine such long throws before this final? To be honest, in a few moments I was a bit afraid of my world record."
Špotáková, the reigning Olympic champion whose world record is 237-2, had to content herself with an impressive six-throw series: three marks over 225-0, five beyond 220-0, and a sixth throw that still would have earned her a bronze medal in the championship.
"I always believe I can throw very far, it is my optimistic attitude to the competition. I expected 70 meters, but 71 is a great result. Abakumova surprised a lot and it seems I need to start my training for 73 meters," Špotáková added, smiling.
Find a recap of the pulsating competition HERE. Find complete results HERE.
A French language YouTube video of the competition is HERE. Nearly 15 minutes long it captures the drama of the competition and some nice dance moves by Abakumova after she knew she had the gold and was feeling the crowd on her last throw. Also some reaction shots of the coaches. Špotáková's coach being none other than the men's javelin legend, Jan Železný.
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