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In a momentous event early this morning Taiwan time, Japanese athlete Hazuka Kitaguchi claimed the gold medal in women’s javelin at the Olympics. Kitaguchi’s initial throw of 65.8 meters remained unbeaten throughout the competition, securing her the top spot on the podium.
A Joyous Victory Amid Global Audience
During an interview, Kitaguchi expressed her joy at performing in front of such a large crowd. “It’s exhilarating to compete with athletes and spectators from around the world gathered in the stadium,” she said. Her leading throw set a formidable benchmark that subsequent competitors could not surpass, helping Japan break its track and field gold medal drought.
Kitaguchi’s Athletic Journey
Now 26, Kitaguchi dabbled in badminton and swimming during her elementary years but didn’t focus on track and field until high school. Within just two months, she won the championship at the Hokkaido meet.
She later clinched the title at the U18 World Championships and set a personal best of 61.38 meters in university. After a period of stagnation, she switched to a Czech coach in 2019 and won gold at the Budapest World Championships last year with a throw of 66.73 meters. Her Olympic gold now adds a brilliant chapter to Japan’s athletics history.