Javelin Throw, Women

As with the other women’s throwing events in London, the Soviet women were sorely missed. Judging by the year’s best marks, they could have swept the medals, likely led by Klavdiya Mayuchaya. She had won the 1946 European title, and crossed the 50-metre-barrier in 1947 (although not recognized as a World Record). Fortunately, the best non-Soviet javelin thrower was in London, and she would win the event. Later in the season, Herma Bauma would break the World Record, although her 48.63 (159-6¾) was short of Mayuchaya’s distances. Bauma had already competed in the 1936 Olympics, narrowly missing the bronze medal, but was the class of the field in 1948. As of 2012, her gold medal is still Austria’s only Olympic title in track and field.