Defending Olympic champion Valerie Adams had to settle for the shot put silver medal tonight after losing to her long-time rival Nadezha Ostapchuk of Belarus.
Adams, three times world champion as well as 2008 Olympic gold medallist, had a best throw of 20.70m, but could not match the distance and consistency Ostapchuk achieved.
The Belarusian had throws of 20.01m, 21.31m, 21.36m, 21.15m and 21.32m.
Adams has a lifetime best of 21.24m, so she was really up against it.
After opening with 20.61m, she registered only one more legitimate throw, deliberately fouling the other, lesser attempts.
Russian Yevgenia Kolodko won the bronze medal with 20.48m.
The result was only a slight surprise because even though Adams has a magnificent championship record and had not lost a big meet to Ostapchuk since 2005, the Belarusian had thrown further this season.
It just didnt come together, said a tearful Adams afterwards. I tried my heart out out there, but it was Ostapchuks day. Thats life, thats sport.
She said that while she was very disappointed, she was happy to have won a silver medal for New Zealand.
I tried until the bitter end and left my heart out there, trying to fire up my aggression.
Adams said she felt humbled by the support she had received from New Zealanders, those at the track tonight and all those who had sent encouraging messages.
