Report #7 From Outdoor World Championships

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BERLIN , GERMANY. - Another big night at the Olympic Stadium, and joy for the home team.
 
First, gold for the USA-Sanya Richards, out fast as usual, this time held it to the end to win in 49.00. Kerron Clement won the men's 400IH in 47.92. The kid from Puerto Rico almost ran him down from lane 8.
 
Steeple was fast all the way- the Kenyans rule the event like no other. The pace is always hot, and they are always looking for the sweep. They cam close, but a 1-2-4 isn't too bad. What's more, the time was just over 8:00 for the first four. Fabulous running.
 
The TJ is always great, and I sat with the Track and Field News people tonight, so it was right in front of me. A lot of big, fast, strong guys jumping far. Cubans and Brits are always good, but USA had no one in there.
 
Which leaves the javelin.
 
A lot was anticipated with Spotakova, the Olympic champ and WR holder, Obergfoll, the young German who has medaled in all the big championships, and Abakumova of Russia, who threw the world leader in the qualifying round.
 
But the night belonged to a former East German, Steffi Nerius, 36 years old, who turned back the clock again.
 
Steffi throws with a headband with something German printed tied to her head, and it must have been a good omen as many Germans came with their Steffi headbands tied, making a lot of noise.
 
The Czechs were louder initially, with banners draped from the upper deck, flags waving, horns blaring away, and drums beating.
 
The stage was set, but all of the action took place in the first three rounds.
 
Nerius was the fourth thrower, and she popped the winner, 67.20 on her first attempt.
 
Obergfoll has had technical problems all year, and wound up sixth, just behind another German, Linda Stahl.
 
Abakumova started slowly, improved, and wound up with the bronze.
 
All eyes were on Spotakova, and she may have set a world record for height on her last two throws. Unfortunately for her, they don't measure for height, and she was short with a 66.42 third rounder.
 
The javelin took center stage, but only for part of the evening, which is unfortunate. Athletes, especially field eventers, have to live with constant interruptions.
 
There are victory ceremonies, steeplers crossing the JT runway, laps of honor for winners of track races, announcements of competitors for the next race, etc., so one has to be on one's toes all the time.
 
The crowd was holding its breath when Spotakova took the runway for the last time. She arched one way too high, and the crowd roared- they knew it was short, and then they went bonkers.
 
Nerius had three WC bronzes, an Olympic silver, and a European championship. She also had the world's longest throw in 1996, a few years ago. It will be an emotional victory ceremony tomorrow night.
 
GK

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