Germany’s Thomas Rohler took gold in the men’s javelin throw, becoming his nation’s first gold medalist in the event since 1972 (Klaus Wolfermann, West Germany). And to do it, all Rohler did was beat the reigning world champion in the event.
Rohler’s throw of 296 feet, 3 inches was nearly seven feet better than that of silver medalist Julius Yego of Kenya, who posted a best throw of 286 feet, 6 inches. However, Yego’s night ended after just four attempts due to injury. But the reigning world champion does get a medal for his efforts, the first Olympic medal in the javelin in Kenya’s history.
Taking bronze was Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad & Tobago with a best throw of 280 feet, 1 inch.
No Americans qualified for the final, with Cyrus Hostetler, Sam Crouser and Sean Furey all failing to get out of the qualifying round.
