Each finalist was allowed three throws in last round, with the top eight athletes after that point being given three further attempts.

In the qualifying round, Maria Andrejczyk threw a Polish national record 67.11m, moving her to the # 16 thrower of all time.

After the field dropped off returning bronze medalist Linda Stahl, 21 year old Sara Kolak threw 66.18 m (217 ft 1 in) to rocket from sixth to first.

As second thrower in the fifth round, Andrejczyk threw 64.78 m to leapfrog from seventh to bronze medal position.

The following evening the medals were presented by Li Lingwei, IOC member, China and Alberto Juantorena, Vice President of the IAAF.