Yantai javelin thrower clinches women's gold at Asian Games

Liu Shiying, a Yantai-born javelin thrower, clinched gold in the women's javelin final at the 2018 Asian Games on Aug 28 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This marked the sixth time that a member of the Chinese women's javelin team has stood on the top podium at the Asian Games.

In the women's javelin final, Liu's throw of 66.09 meters not only clinched her gold but broke the Asian Games record.

A Chinese athlete also came second in the event, with Liu's compatriot Lyu Huihui throwing 63.16 meters to pocket the silver medal. Other athletes all failed to throw more than 60 meters.

"I cannot believe it for I was in a poor condition before the competition," Liu said.

"This title has helped me to regain my confidence, and now I hope to use this as a springboard to compete at the World Championships and the Olympics."

Liu Shiying, 25, has written the Asian javelin throw record under her name for many times. Her personal best of 66.47 meters was set in 2017 as a then-Asian record.

After bagging numerous junior titles at the world and continental levels, Liu made the grade as a senior by winning gold at the 2015 Asian championships. An eighth-place finish at the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships in London bodes well for the future.

Liu Shiying celebrates after clinching gold in the women's javelin final at the 2018 Asian Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Aug 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The women's javelin winner Liu Shiying (right) and Lyu Huihui (left),the silver medal winner, pose together for a photo in the 2018 Asian Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Aug 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]