Previews08 Jul 2017


Preview: girls' javelin – IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017

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Action from the javelin final (© Getty Images)

Given that she will be the only girl in action in Nairobi who has set a world U18 record this year, it’s fair to say Cuban javelin thrower Marisleisys Duarthe is one of the biggest favourites in any event.

Duarthe, who last year made the final at the World U20 Championships at the age of 15, has improved her PB on six occasions this year, taking it from 54.46m in February to 65.44m in May, adding nearly three-and-a-half metres to the world U18 best.

She hasn’t thrown the 500g javelin in competition since then, but has produced impressive marks with the senior implement, throwing 55.80m just three days after her record-breaking competition.

For a nation that has produced several global champions in throwing events, it is somewhat surprising that Cuba hasn’t yet earned a gold medal in this discipline at the World U18 Championships. But they could conceivably get two girls on the javelin podium in Nairobi as Melissa Hernandez heads to the Kenyan capital with a best of 55.98m this year.

China, however, will pose a strong threat. Dai Qianqian has a best of 57.28m, while compatriot Cai Qing is close behind with 57.03m. Their season’s bests with the senior specification javelin put them within touching distance of Duarthe with Cai having thrown 55.25m and Dai boasting a best of 54.24m.

If this event were to produce a surprise winner, as is often the case, look to Karyna Butkevich of Belarus, Munewer Hanci of Turkey, or German duo Julia Ulbricht and Lea Luis Wipper.

Jon Mulkeen for the IAAF

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