Poland's Anita Wlodarczyk Gets First Win of the Season at Ostrava Golden Spike

By Adam Kopet

Anita Wlodarczyk is not used to losing a hammer competition. Before 2018, the last time Wlodarczyk lost a hammer competition was the 2014 Ostrava Golden Spike, where she finished second.

The Polish hammer thrower had been on an absolute tear, going undefeated in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In that time she has broken the world record multiple times, now standing at 272-3 (82.98m). She owns the top 14 throws of all time.

However, 2018 did not start off in the same way as the past three years. Wlodarczyk only managed a ninth place finish at a meet in Germany last month. She finished second last week to Gwen Berry at a meet in Poland. Berry broke the American record in her win.

Returning to the Ostrava Golden Spike, Wlodarczyk finally managed a win, beating Berry with a mark of 250-9 (76.43m). Berry's best on the day was 243-5 (74.21m).

RESULTS

In other action in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Andrius Gudzius of Lithuania won the men's discus with a best of 217-6 (66.30m).

The rest of the Ostrava Golden Spike takes place Wednesday.