Tokyo, Japan – It was hammer time in Tokyo on Monday as China’s rising stars Zhao Jie and Zhang Jiale clinched silver 🥈 and bronze 🥉 at the World Athletics Championships. Defending champion Camryn Rogers of Canada took gold with a jaw-dropping 80.51m throw.
The 26-year-old Olympic gold medalist set the tone early, launching her first hammer 78.09m – a mark that would have been enough for the win on any other day. But in round two, she shattered the 80-meter barrier to seal her top spot.
Zhao, 22, and Zhang, just 18, stepped up in style, both surpassing 77 meters in their final attempts. Zhao, who already holds an Olympic bronze, raised her personal best by exactly one meter to hit 77.60m, while Zhang reached 77.10m, earning her first major podium finish.
“This year’s world championships is a special experience for me – it’s also my third world championships,” Zhao reflected. “I made progress in my mindset and ability across these three editions. As you can see, all my throws are above 75m, so I’m improving a lot. This is also my first time competing alongside my young compatriot, Zhang.”
These medal-winning throws signal a bright future for China’s hammer throw squad 🌟
Reference(s):
Zhao, Zhang earn two medals for China at World Athletics Championships
cgtn.com
