Kara Winger of the United States placed eighth in the women’s javelin competition at the world track and field championships Sunday in Beijing, the best finish ever by an American woman at a worlds meet.
The Skyview High School graduate, the former Kara Patterson and a two-time Olympian and the U.S. record holder in the event, had a best throw of 199 feet, 9 inches.
Kathrina Molitor of Germany won with a throw of 222-1.
“I didn’t execute today,” Winger told usatf.org. “However, I know that I did the best I could on the day, and I’m thrilled to be in the top eight. I felt strong. I felt connected to the javelin. I just didn’t put that connection in the right direction, but I had a great time and that’s what I wanted to do.”
Winger’s additional comments, from USATF:
• “I’m really thrilled to be a part of this women’s group of throwers at this world championships. It’s been really fun. Last summer, all four American record holders were on the Continental Cup Team, and this year all four were on this team, so it’s really cool to not only be a team member with those girls but to be with four other girls who have made the final.”
• “I’m excited about the future. The season has been really busy and really successful, but it’s also been pretty long.”
