China shock as Lyu Huihui falls short in the women’s javelin at Doha worlds
- The mainlander ‘unable to handle the details’ as she throws only 65.49 metres having led the qualifying round in Doha on 67.27 metres
- China are pinning their hopes on shot putter Gong to better the two-gold medal haul achieved in London two years ago
Chinese fans watched in dismay as overwhelming favourite Lyu Huihui failed in the women’s javelin throw at the IAAF World Athletics Championships early on Wednesday (Hong Kong time).
The 30-year-old suffered her first defeat of 2019 after 12 victories, having to settle for a bronze medal in Doha with her fifth throw of 65.49 metres. Kelsey-Lee Barber of Australia won the first gold for her country, saving her best for last with a throw of 66.56 metres. Lyu’s compatriot, Liu Shiying, came second with a season best 65.88 metres.
Lyu, who led the qualifying round the previous night with a throw of 67.27 metres, was widely considered the country’s top prospect for the gold medal among China’s 63-member squad.
Xinhua only briefly mentioned her performance, with Lyu blaming her defeat on not being able to “handle the details” and being too eager to get power behind her throws, which affected her overall delivery.
