China grabs two medals at London's World Championships

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Two-time Olympic champion Barbora Spotakova of Czech Republic lifted her second world championship title in the 2017 IAAF World Championships at London Stadium on Tuesday, while China grabbed a pair of medals thanks to Li Lingwei and Lyu Huihui.

Spotakova, 36, who last won the world title in 2007 in Osaka, set the winning mark of 66.76 meters in her second attempt.

"At this stadium, I am unbeatable. There must be something in the air about London. I cannot explain it but when I enter this stadium, I always feel so calm and relaxed. I believed I could really win it today, I was so focused and confident," said Spotakova who won Olympic titles in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and set the still-standing 72.28m world record.

Barbora Spotakova of Czech Republic celebrates after winning Women's Javelin Throw Final on Day 5 of the 2017 IAAF World Championships at London Stadium in London, Britain, on Aug. 8, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

China's Li Lingwei, a two-time Asian champion, produced a lifetime best of 66.25 to take the silver while her teammate Lyu Huihui, set a new Asian record in the qualification on Sunday with 67.49. But Lyu could not repeat her strong performance in the final and settled for the bronze with 65.26.

For Li, 2008 junior world runner-up, the silver medal was a delightful surprise.

Li Lingwei of China celebrates during Women's Javelin Throw Final on Day 5 of the 2017 IAAF World Championships at London Stadium in London, Britain, on Aug. 8, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

"I did well today. This year I have been bothered by injury and loose training, so I was not at the height of my fitness tonight," said Li, 28. "I had not expected to win the medal at all."

Among the 12 finalists, three are from China which Li considered a good sign for javelin throwing to develop in China.

"We have three people in the final and won two medals. I think it is good for the sport in China, so I am very happy," she said.

Li Lingwei (L) of China celebrates with her teammate Lyu Huihui after Women's Javelin Throw Final on Day 5 of the 2017 IAAF World Championships at London Stadium in London, Britain, on Aug. 8, 2017. /Xinhua Photo‍

Bronze medalist Lyu's qualification time would have won her the gold medal if she had produced the result tonight. She admitted that she tried a bit too hard in the qualification.

"I competed so hard in the qualification and got brilliant result, which left me a little fatigued both physically and mentally," said the Beijing world championships silver medalist.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency