Dietzsch's Discus domination continues 29. August 07

Photo by Picture Alliance.

The incredible Franka Dietzsch takes a third World Championship gold in her ninth World Championship event.

The 39-year-old German powerhouse established her domination of the event with her first round throw of 66.61m (10cm further than her 2005 winning throw in Helsinki.) Her second throw of 66.48m - the second furthest throw of the competition - ascertained Dietzsch as head and shoulders above the rest of the field,

"This is crazy! This is my third World title - I had some tears of joy in my eyes after the competition. It is very surprising for me as I am the second oldest in the field and today I beat all the young girls."

Dietzsch's closest competitor came in the form of 22-year-old European Champion, Darya Pishchalnikova. The young Russian put in a brave performance, but her lifetime best throw of 65.78m was not enough to bring down the mighty German,

"Of course I am satisfied. Who would not be with personal best and World silver. Whether I wanted more, yes I always want and was trying until the last throw."

The new World silver medallist is very positive about her future,

"I am young, but also very important is my health, if I am healthy enough, I can compete at many championships in the future."

In the meantime, Dietzsch's World domination continues despite some slight injury worries,

"Some weeks ago I had problems with my achilles and thought about not going to Osaka at all, but my coach advised me to go. I am so glad he did. He is the best coach in the world! Of course, I want to go to Bejing next year - I have to see if I am still healthy enough. And for Berlin in 2009, I do not know yet, but I think I will try to."

european-athletics.org