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07:44, 10-Aug-2017
Gong Lijiao's gold makes up for 2012 Olympics disappointment
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The sixth time was the charm for seasoned Chinese shot putter Gong Lijiao, whose dream of becoming a world champion finally came true with her victory at the IAAF World Championships in London on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old dominated the women's final by leading throughout and winning the long-awaited gold medal that had eluded her for the past decade.
On a rainy and chilly night, Gong took an early lead with her second throw of 19.35m, and the 19.94m in her fifth attempt put her victory almost beyond doubt.
Gong Lijiao won China's first gold medal at the 2017 World Championships on August 9, 2017. / CGTN
Gong Lijiao won China's first gold medal at the 2017 World Championships on August 9, 2017. / CGTN
"I am so excited, so thrilled. I have been dreaming this moment my whole life and now it came true. To tell the truth, I still feel surreal," said Gong.
Before this event in the English capital, Gong had earned one silver and two bronze medals in her past five attempts at the Worlds. She has also been in three Olympics, wining one silver and one bronze.
"After the fifth throw, I thought the gold was in my hands. But my aim today was to pass 20 meters. Although I did not reach that, I'm still pretty satisfied with the result," Gong said.
Her moment after winning China's first gold medal at 2017 World Championships on August 9, 2017. / CGTN
Her moment after winning China's first gold medal at 2017 World Championships on August 9, 2017. / CGTN
“The London Olympics five years ago were like a nightmare for me,” the athlete added. “I was told I earned third place, then second after I returned home. It was really dramatic. So finally I won gold today and I feel so happy. My years of hard work finally paid off. My goals are to win the World Championships and the Olympics. Now I've achieved the first one."
Chinese shot putter Gong Lijiao. /Photo via 163.com
Chinese shot putter Gong Lijiao. /Photo via 163.com
The victory brought China its first gold medal at the World Championships in London and broke a 24-year title drought in this event at the Worlds. Huang Zhihong last won the title in 1993 in Stuttgart following her win in Kyoto in 1991.
Rio Olympic bronze medalist Anita Marton of Hungary took silver with a throw of 19.49m and Olympic champion Michelle Carter of the United States settled for bronze with 19.14m.
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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency