[1] Armenia Soviet Faina Melnik was the strong favorite to win the gold.

Menis took the lead in round one breaking the Olympic record throw of 64.28 m (210 ft 10+1⁄2 in).

Melnike threw next and overtook Menis with a throw of 66.62 m (218 ft 7 in) which held on to win the gold.

Thirteen days later, Menis broke Melnik's world record with a throw of 67.32 m (220 ft 10+1⁄2 in).

[2] All throwers reaching 55.00 m (180 ft 5+1⁄2 in) and the top 12 including ties, advanced to the finals.