Discus Throw, Women

The American-led boycott had absolutely no impact on the outcome of this event. After winning the 1976 gold medal in an upset, Evelin Jahl had become the top discus thrower in the world, winning the 1978 European Championships and setting two world records, one in 1978 and one earlier in 1980. But only a few weeks before Moskva, Bulgaria’s Mariya Petkova had broken Jahl’s record with 71.80 (235-6¾). Jahl took the lead in the second round with 69.76 (228-10½) and that would be good enough to win, although she improved to 69.96 (229-6½) in the next round. Petkova led after the first round with 67.68 (222-0¾), but was pushed back to second by Jahl’s second round throw, who held onto that position and improved in the final round with 67.90 (222-9¼) to seal the gold medal.