PARIS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Haruka Kitaguchi produced a season-best throw to win gold in the women's javelin at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The reigning world champion prevailed with a winning throw of 65.80m, almost 2.00m ahead of South Africa's Jo-Ane van Dyk, who took silver.
Nikola Ogrodnikova of the Czech Republic took bronze with a best effort of 63.68m.
"I cannot believe this," Kitaguchi said. "This wasn't easy for me. Before, I couldn't train well, but my physio and my team believed in me. Without their help, I cannot get gold today.
"Actually, my training throw wasn't good. It was too much. But this time, I can throw 65.80, so for me, really good."
She said the triumph had justified her decision to leave Japan to train in the Czech Republic.
"I love Japan, but I have to train in the Czech Republic because there are amazing athletes there," she added. ■
