Gerd Kanter throwing in Helsingborg (© Göran Lenz)
Helsingborg, SwedenIn the second edition of the ‘World Record Challenge’ in Helsingborg Gerd Kanter, the World and Olympic champion in the men’s Discus Throw dominated with another world class performance. His series was impressive with four throws over 69 metres and the winning throw of 70.32m coming in the fourth round.
Kanter have been visiting Sweden many times as his Icelandic trainer Vesteinn Hafsteinsson has been based there for many years. Several times they have organised minor competitions in the late part of the season with many great results. Two years ago Kanter made a sensational result of 73.38, less than a metre from the World record, and this gave the idea of the ‘World Record Challenge’ competition.
But last year he was beaten by Frantz Kruger, who won with a Finnish record of 69.97m, with Kanter in second place with 68.09.
This year he dominated from the start and never gave a chance to his opponents. He opened with 66.98 followed with 69.19. After a foul he finished the competition with three long throws measured to 70.32, 69.12 and 70.23. His compatriot Mart Israel made it a double Estonian success by taking second position with 63.79.
Swedish season’s best
The women’s competition was a battle between the top Nordic discus throwers. Sweden’s Anna Söderberg dominated with a great series of throws. Three times she reached longer than her previous best of this season (62.19). Her winning throw was 63.21, not so far from her national record (64.54) set back in 1999.
Göran Lenz for the IAAF
RESULTS
Men
1.Gert Kanter EST 70.32
2.Mart Israel EST 63.79
3.Gerhard Mayer AUT 60.71
4.Mika Loikkanen FIN 59.58
5.Eric Cadee NED 59.42
6.Axel Härstedt SWE 54.20
7.Magnus Hallgrimsson ISL 54.01
Women
1.Anna Söderberg SWE 63.21
2.Grete Etholm Snyder NOR 55.22
3.Anita Hietalahti FIN 54.04
4.Maria Pettersson SWE 51.54
