The men’s shot put final at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 was dubbed as the clash of the titans, and it really turned out to be one of the best contests of all time.
It was one of the most dramatic finals at the Khalifa International Stadium as team USA’s Joe Kovacs produced a throw of 22.91m – a new championship record – in his final attempt to stun his opponents, seal a gold medal and regain his 2015 world title.
“It is time to celebrate. Coming to this competition, I was hoping for a new personal best and then I saw Ryan throwing far, the others throwing far, I just cannot be happier to get gold,” said Kovacs after his famous win yesterday.
“This everyday hard work just paid off. This is definitely the final which made the history,” he said.
Another American star Ryan Crouser – the reigning Olympic champion and New Zealand’s Tom Walsh – the 2017 champion - both hurled 22.90m. Crouser got the silver for better second throw while Walsh had to content with a bronze medal.
“It was an unbelievable competition with a lot of fireworks in the round 6,” said Crouser. “The final was crazy and I am so happy to be part of it. I am really happy with my season. Every meet except for one was over 22m, which is a standard for shot putting,” he added.
The 1cm margin among the top 3 never happened before, making it the most thrilling shot put battle.
Walsh looked a comfortable winner after he threw 22.90m in his first attempt but that turned out to be his best of the night as he lost rhythm afterwards.
Just when Walsh was scenting a gold medal, Crouser covered 22.90 in his final chance before Kovacs threw 22.91 to become equal third best thrower of all time.
Venezuela’s Rojas wins triple jump gold
In the women’s triple jump final yesterday, Yulimar Rojas jumped to 15.37m to clinch another world title for Venezuela.
“I have no words. It’s been a long and successful year. Another world title for Venezuela. I came out to break the world record. I tried in the first three rounds but then I felt tired. I am super happy and grateful to all the people who have helped me to get this far,” said Rojas.
Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts (14.92m) and Colombia’s Caterine Ibarguen (14.73m) secured the silver and bronze medals.
