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Stephanie Brown Trafton of the USA reacts during the women's discus throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 18, 2008. Trafton won the gold. [Xinhua/Li Ga] |
Stephanie Brown Trafton won the Olympic women's discus throw gold medal on Monday with her first attempt in the National Stadium of China, nick-named "Bird's Nest".
This is the first track and field gold for the world athletics powerhouse United States in the Beijing Olympics after the sport kicked off for four days and this is also the first women's discus throw title for America in 76 years after Lillian Copeland claimed gold in Los Angeles in 1932 with 40.58m.
"There are many talents in the U.S. team, we have had gold medal in a lot of events and hopefully we can show our strength in distance events, " said Trafton, "In all events we had potentials, hopefully the gold medal is going to give U.S. a lot of confidence and continue on the world level."
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Stephanie Brown Trafton of the United States celebrates after the women's discus throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 18, 2008. Trafton won the gold with 64.74 metres. [Xinhua Photo] |
The final was decided in the very first attempt. The 28-year-old Trafton took the lead with her first throw of 64.74 meters and then fouled twice, after she threw 58.39 and 61.30, she fouled again in her final attempt. But that was enough, her first place was stable as no one else could reach the 63 meters mark except Cuban Yarelis Barrios.
Trafton won the title of 2008 IAAF Grand Prix at Eugene, the United States and this was the only title for her in recent years.
"I am surprise about the gold medal, we have excellent athletes here. This is my second Olympics, I have not much experiences, I am not in top five this year. But anything could happen in Olympic finals," smiled Trafton.
"This is by far the best competition and best result I got. Now I am looking for the 2012, hope I have no injury at that time." she added.
Barrios, world championship bronze medalist at Osaka, Japan, recorded 63.17 meters in her first attempt and upgraded it to 63.64 in the second, but then she struggled to move a step forward in the following four attempts and finish the final with a silver medal.
"This medal is something extremely important to me, which I have dreamed for for a long time," said Barrios, "I have got the medal in world championship, but nothing is better than an Olympic medal."
Olena Antonova of Ukraine took the bronze at 62.59 meters.
(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2008)