Valerie Vili’s first throw in the final of the Women’s Shot Put was the one that won her the gold.
“To come out on top feels amazing, so freaking amazing. I can’t explain what’s going on through my head right now,” said Vili after it was officially announced that she came in first place.
The New Zealander consistently marked at least 20 meters on each attempt in the final on Saturday night, a better record than any other competitor on the field. Her 20.56m throw put her ahead of silver medallist Natallia Mikhnevich of Belarus, whose best put was 20.28m. Fellow Belarusian Nadzeya Ostapchuk secured the bronze with 19.86m.
It’s not surprising that Vili grabbed Olympic gold, she is the reigning indoor and outdoor champion in the event. She did so well on Saturday, in fact, that she decided to pass on her final attempt, believing that she had the gold in her pocket already.
Vili became the first New Zealand Athletics gold medal winner since John Walker, who won the 1500m at the Montreal 1976 Games.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better day or moment,” Vili exclaimed.
Mikhnevich, who stands in second place in this year’s world rankings, had two throws above 20m. With her second throw, she secured second place. “I am very satisfied with the result, and I feel very happy,” she said.
An injured Ostapchuk had four throws that were well below her greatest accomplishment this year, 20.98m, also this season’s best for any shot putter. She failed on her first put, heaved 18.69 on her second, measured 18.36 on her third, and failed again on her fourth attempt. Her fifth was the one that got her the bronze, but it was still under the 20m mark she was aiming for.
She blames not being able to hit a personal best on the fact that she had just arrived in Beijing two days ago, and is not accustomed to the time difference and the capital city’s climate. In addition, a hurt leg hindered her performance, but she is still happy she earned the bronze.
“I’m very glad because I achieved my expectations. It doesn’t matter whether it is a gold medal or not, as long as it is a medal. My focus is not the result, the medal itself, but my performance,” said Ostapchuk.
(Source: en.beijing2008.cn)
