Sara Kolak celebrating winning the women's Javelin with a new National Record. Photo Credit: @iaaforg

Croatia’s Sara Kolak was the surprise winner of the women’s Javelin after stunning the field to win GOLD at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

For Kolak, it was a performance that will live long in her memory landing the spear at a new National Record of 66.18m, defeating the big favourites coming into the competition.

South Africa’s Sunette Viljoen won Silver with a throw of 64.92m which she threw in her very first attempt and was in contention for GOLD till Kolak took the lead in her fourth attempt.

Although Viljoen settled for Silver, she became the first African ever to win a medal of any colour in the women’s Javelin.

Meanwhile, defending champion and World Record holder, Barbora Špotakova won Bronze with a throw of 64.80m.

Kolak who is 21, follows in the footsteps of her more established countrywoman Sandra Perkovic who won the women’s Discus, and they have both landed two GOLD medals for Croatia, all won from field events.

Sara Kolak celebrating winning the women's Javelin with a new National Record. Photo Credit: @iaaforg
Sara Kolak celebrating after winning the women’s Javelin Olympic title with a new National Record. Photo Credit: @iaaforg
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Athletics coverage was a discovery, having to move away from regularly writing about Football. Although it was initially daunting, but now being an authority in it makes the past effort worthwhile. From travelling on the same international flight with Nigerian athletes, to knowing you could easily interview: World Record holder Tobi Amusan, then Ese Brume, I have cut my teeth in this beat earning the trust of Athletics sources. Formerly the Content Manager-Sports at Ringier media Nigeria, Chris is a Senior Sports writer, Photographer & Community manager at Making of Champions.

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