German beats defending champion Keshorn Walcott (bronze) thanks to a mammoth throw. Röhler was not the favorite but had shown promise before Rio.
Germany have had a mixed Rio Olympics but were cheered by Thomas Röhler pulling off a minor surprise by taking Olympic gold in the men’s javelin.
His best throw was 90.30 meters, below the world leading mark of 91.28 he set in June, but enough to clinch victory.
Kenya’s world champion Julius Yego threw 88.24 metres on his first attempt, which was good enough to hold the lead until the penultimate round when Röhler produced his winning effort.
A limping Yego then retired having faulted on two of his previous throws and ended up with silver.
London 2012 champion Keshorn Walcott threw 85.38 metres on his second go but had to settle for bronze.
Röhler’s Olympic gold is the first major honor for the 24-year-old.
rtrs/mlm
