Girls' discus throw final report - Donetsk 2013

WRITTEN FOR THE IAAF WEBSITE

China’s Yuchen Xie smashed the championship record by over a metre en route to claiming the girls’ Discus gold medal, claiming a popular victory in a superb 56.34m to continue her nation’s fine showing in the history of this event in the World Youth Championships.

Having taken the 1999, 2001 and 2009 titles, China placed high hopes on Xie’s shoulders and as expected, the 17-year-old replicated her countrywoman, Li Shanshan – the 2009 winner’s – winning performance in a dominant display in Donetsk, Ukraine.

In the only girls’ throwing event where athletes compete with the senior implement, Xie led a world-leading 1-2-3 as Germany’s Claudine Vita grabbed silver (with a 52.59m personal best) from China’s Xinyun Liang who clinched the bronze medal with a 51.50m lifetime best.

For 17-year-old Xie, her winning mark represented the icing on the cake following a strong series of efforts including 53.24m, 55.01m and 54.06m in the preceding rounds.

Indeed, the victor enjoyed a successful day all round, having led the qualifying rounds with a 52.94m throw in the morning session, thus setting the scene for a scintillating final ahead.