Spotakova takes gold in javelin

World champion Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic won the Olympic women's javelin title, with Goldie Sayers setting a British record in fourth.

Spotakova took gold thanks to a final-round throw of 71.42m, a new European record, while Sayers managed a best effort of 65.75m.

Germany's Christina Obergfoll took bronze with 66.13m.

Spotakova overhauled Russia's Maria Abakumova, who threw 70.78m, with the penultimate throw of the contest.

Cuba's Osleidys Menendez - the defending champion and world record holder - finished sixth.

Sayers said she could hold her head high after producing a personal best throw in the final.

"To be beaten by two people who have thrown 70m, I can't do any more," she said.

"But fourth is a difficult place to finish. You could see it was going to be a big championship and I think it was one of the greatest finals ever and I feel very proud to have been part of it."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Beijing 2008 - athletics
BOA profile of Jade Johnson
BOA profile of Goldie Sayers
Olympic schedule from the BOA
Athletics from the BOA
International Athletics
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites