Australia’s Kelsey-Lee Barber made history at the World Athletics Championships to become the first woman to defend a world title in javelin.
Barber’s best throw came on her third attempt – 66.91 metres – and blasted her nearest rival by more than 2 metres, American Kara Winger’s 64.05m. Yet she did not better her own personal best of 67.7m but claimed the best throw in the world this season.
Fellow Australian Mackenzie Little threw her personal best with a first attempt of 63.22 metres and made it to the medal round but eventually fell to fifth. The medal race was extremely close with silver-medallist Winger also securing her place on the podium with her final throw.
The reigning world champion’s victory makes it three medals for Australia this Athletics World Championships, after Eleanor Patterson claimed gold in the high jump and Nina Kennedy’s bronze in the pole vault.
Barber joins an elite group of Australian athletes to become dual world champions along with Cathy Freeman (400m), Jana Pittman (400m hurdles) and Sally Pearson (100m hurdles).
Australia is on track to surpass their previous best effort at a World Championships since 2009, when they won two gold and two bronze medals.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!