Russian Sadova wins women's discus throw Olympic gold

Natalya Sadova of Russia tossed 67. 02 meters to win the women's discus gold medal here on Saturday in the track and field competition at the current Olympics.

Russia's Natalya Sadova celebrates after winning the women's discus gold medal with a throw of 67.02 meters at the Olympic Games in Athens, Aug.21,2004.

The 32-year-old, gold medalist at the 2001 Worlds, found her longest fling in the fifth round. The silver was snatched by Nastasia Kelesidou of Greece who got her medal winning distance in the third outing in 66.68.

Irina Yatchenko of Belarus, hot favorite before the final with the year's best mark of 69.14, claimed the bronze at 66.17.

The final saw Sadova lead the opening round with a 64.78 heave, but Kelesidou, who won the silver medals at the 1999, 2003 Worlds plus the Sydney Olympics, blasted her strongest attempt in the third round to turn the table.

Sadova, however, landed her winning mark in the fifth and kept the leading position for good.

Yatchenko, 39, who produced her longest throw in six years to become the oldest female world champion in the World Championships last year, couldn't produce the same miracle today, had to satisfied with her bronze finish.

Following are the results of women' s discus throw at the 28th Olympic Games Saturday evening:

1. Natalya Sadova, Russia, 67.02 meters

2. Anastasia Kelesidou, Greece, 66.68

3. Irina Yatchenko, Belarus, 66.17

4. Vera Pospisilova Ce, Czech Republic, 66.08

5. Olena Antonova, Ukraine, 65.75

6. Nicoleta Grasu, Romania, 64.92

7. Beatrice Faumuina, New Zealand, 63.45

8. Ekaterini Voggoli, Greece, 62.37