Feng ends Olympic medal drought with discus silver

China's Feng Bin wins silver medal in the women's discus at the Paris Olympics on Monday. [Photo/IC]

China's discus thrower Feng Bin matched the best ever performance by a Chinese discus thrower in the Olympic Games as she won her first Olympic medal, a silver, at the third time of asking in Paris on Monday night.

Feng, the 2022 world championship winner, had finished outside the medals in her two previous Olympic appearances and came into this year's top-12 final as the third-best qualifier.

She delivered six consistent throws, without any failed attempts, and her third, of 67.51 meters, was her best, but it was not enough to dethrone defending champion Valarie Allman of the United States, who won with a distance of 69.50 meters on her fourth attempt.

Feng had to settle with a silver ahead of Croatia's Sandra Elkasevic in third. She equaled Feng's best throw in her own third attempt, but was edged out for the silver medal because of her shorter second-best throw.

In the final, each athlete has six throws, and in the event of a tie, the second-best throw determines who finishes ahead.

Feng's predecessor Li Yanfeng, now retired, won China's first Olympic medal, also silver, in the event at London 2012.

Feng has been trying to throw beyond her personal best of 69.12 meters, achieved with her winning throw at the 2022 World Championships.

Her season's best this year is her winning throw of 67.89 meters at the World Athletics Diamond League competition in Norway in May.

A silver as her first Olympic medal was a big motivation, but far from satisfaction, Feng said.

"The distance was so-so, but to win my first Olympic medal is something I'm very happy about. I expected to throw about 68 meters to 69 meters," she said after the final.

"I lost a bit of sleep last night. Still some nerves. I probably rate myself 80 out of 100. The remaining 20 points, I lost it by not being able to get myself to the top.

"But I kept my promise before the Olympic Games that I would win a medal."

Looking forward, Feng said she is still focused on her goal of surpassing the 70-meter mark at a future major meet.

"It's still a target for me. I still want to go for that. I think I have the ability, I have the confidence," said the 30-year-old native of Shandong province.

"That's something I hope I can improve and achieve in the next four-year cycle. I still hope to maintain my level of throwing 68m, 69m consistently, and then I will aim to break the 70m mark."