Haruka Kitaguchi at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 (© Getty Images)
Haruka Kitaguchi produced the throw of her life when it mattered the most, improving her Japanese record to 68.92m to win the javelin at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 on Saturday (12).
That mark launched the Olympic champion from 23rd to joint 10th on the world all-time list as she timed her peak to perfection, back at the scene of her world title win in 2023.
China’s 18-year-old Yan Ziyi, who threw 71.74m in Xiamen in May to move to second all time, opened strongly with 68.05m but retired from the competition after her second attempt. Her opening throw remained enough to secure her second place ahead of Flor Denis Ruiz Hurtado (64.84m).
Yan arrived in Budapest unbeaten in five Diamond League appearances and fresh from winning the Diamond Trophy ahead of Kitaguchi, but Kitaguchi lined up full of confidence after her Diamond League win in Lausanne and season’s best of 65.44m set when finishing second to Yan in that Diamond League Final in Brussels.
After watching Yan open with 68.05m, Kitaguchi – who threw 61.15m from her own first attempt – responded with 68.92m, improving on her own national record of 67.38m set in 2023.
Yan threw 63.95m in the second round before retiring from the competition, while Kitaguchi’s next two attempts were not valid, but it didn’t matter – she had the title secured.
Colombia’s Ruiz Hurtado, who got world silver behind Kitaguchi in Budapest three years ago, saved her best throw for last and launched herself into third place with 64.84m. Mackenzie Little was fourth with a best of 63.37m.
“The competition was very hard as the girls have been throwing far this season,” said Kitaguchi. “I dream and believe I have a chance every competition, and I threw a national record today to win the Ultimate title and it feels wonderful. It has just been an amazing day.
“Last year in Tokyo I was disappointed but now I can say with confidence that I am back,” added the 28-year-old, who was unable to make the final at the World Championships on her home soil. “After throwing 61 metres with the first attempt, my coach (world record-holder Jan Železný) told me to keep my concentration and to keep the javelin straight and that, if I did so, I could throw far.
“I will be competing next at the Asian Games in my home country so I need to save some energy for that. It will be hard but my confidence in throwing is rising and I hope to show it at home.”
Jess Whittington for World Athletics
