Gerd Kanter celebrates his victory in the discus (© Getty Images)
World and Olympic champion Gert Kanter took little time to underscore his current dominance in the Discus Throw, securing the victory with with his first throw of the competition.
The 29-year-old, history’s third farthest thrower, led by more than three metres after the first of four rounds after his 68.35m effort, with Hungarian Zoltan Kovago the closest reaching 63.39.
German Robert Harting stirred the crowd with a 65.76 throw in the second round to move into second. Kanter fouled in round two, and reached 65.52 with his third throw, while behind him the order remained the same.
Olympic silver medallist Piotr Malachowski of Poland saved his best effort for last, reaching 66.07 in the fourth round to secure the runner-up finish. Kovago also improved with his final throw, reaching 65.11, but not enough to overtake Harting.
“2008 was a really successful year for me,” said Kanter, who improved the winning mark to 68.32m in the final round. “Winning the Olympics was my biggest dream to come true. Now I have to try and carry on like this for the next four years.”
Ehsan Hadadi of Iran, who was on a hot streak early on this season, was never a factor, reaching 62.76 to finish sixth. Olympic bronze medallist Virgilijus Alekna was even further back, reaching just 61.03.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
