Menendez breaks record to win gold

Osleidys Menendez shattered the Olympic record to win the women’s javelin title in Athens tonight.

Menendez, bronze-medallist four years ago, produced a massive effort of 71.03 metres.

That bettered the 68.91m with which Trine Hattestad won the gold medal at the Sydney Games.

The Cuban, back at her best after an indifferent season last summer, produced the longest throw in the world this year in the very first round.

It easily proved a winner with runner-up Steffi Nerius of Germany never in contention despite producing a personal best 65.82m.

Greece’s Mirela Manjani thrilled the home fans as she clinched the bronze medal in the final round with a throw of 64.29m.