Discus Throw, Women

In 1967-68, Liesel Westermann (FRG) and Christa Spielberg (GDR) had taken turns bettering the world record with Westermann holding it at 62.54 (205-2¼) prior to México. Westermann’s first world record of 61.26 (201-0) in November 1967 in São Paulo was the first throw over 200 feet. Spielberg had won the 1966 European Championships, with Westermann second. However, both were expecting a challenge from 1960-64 bronze medalist Lia Manoliu. This was her fifth Olympics and she opened with 58.28 (191-2½) which would win the gold medal. Manoliu had only one other fair throw. Rain set in shortly after her best toss, and hampered the other throwers, which helped her mark standup. She would compete again in 1972, her sixth Olympics, the first athlete, male or female, to compete in six Olympics in track & field athletics. She later became President of the Romanian Olympic Committee.