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Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic competes during the women's javelin throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Barbora Spotakova won the title with 71.42 metres. [Xinhua]
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Barbora Spotakova of Czeck won the gold medal in women's javelin throw at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday, with a throw of 71.42 meters, the best performance this year.
Maria Abakumova of Russia took the silver with 70.78 meters, and Christina Obergfoll of Germany claimed the bronze with 66.13 meters.
The 2007 World Championship gold medalist was not assured of the crown until her last trial. Before that, she was trailing Abakumova who took a lead in the first five efforts. The 22-year-old Russian launched the spear 70.78 meters in her fourth attempt, which secured her second place.
Before them, only two women in history have thrown over the 70 meters mark. Cuba's Osleidys Menendez set the world record of 71.70 meters on Aug 14, 2005.
Obergfoll, the runner-up at the 2007 World Championships, claimed the bronze with only 66.13 meters, which was far away behind her personal best of 70.20 meters. She was obviously not in her top form as she gave four false throws in the total six trials.