Clark County native Kara Winger placed fifth in the women’s javelin at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.
Her best mark was 63.23 meters (207 feet).
The fifth-place finish is the highest ever for the U.S. in women’s javelin, according to United States Track & Field.
“Super fun to feel like I belong here again,” Winger posted on Twitter. “So hungry for #tokyo2020.”
Winger’s best throw came on her fifth attempt after fouling on her fourth attempt.
It briefly moved her into fourth place, but she was passed by eventual champion Kelsey-Lee Barber of Australia, who won with a throw of 66.56 meters (218 feet).
Winger moved into sixth place out of the 12 competitors with her second throw of 61.77 meters.
It was her third throw of 62.88 that not only topped her qualifying mark of 62.13 from Monday, but also put her in fifth place.
Winger’s final throw was 62.40 meters, which did not improve on her fifth place standing.
Shiying Liu of China won silver (65.88), and Huihui Lyu of China won bronze (65.49). Christin Hussong of Germany was fourth (65.21).
Winger came into the worlds on the heels of winning the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Peru in August. She set her season best mark at the event with a 64.92.
