Osleidys Menendez broke her own world record to reclaim the world javelin title in style in Helsinki. The Cuban Olympic champion landed 71.70m at her very first attempt to beat her old mark by 16cm.
Germany's Christina Obergfoll took silver when she also surpassed 70m with her second throw of 70.03m, which was also a European record.
Team-mate Steffi Nerius took bronze with 65.96m but Britain's Goldie Sayers finished in disappointing last place.
The 23-year-old Newmarket athlete had impressed in qualifying but could only manage a poor 54.44m in the final.
Menendez said winning the title was the only thing on her mind.
"I wasn't aiming for the world record at all. My only goal was to win gold," she said.
"I loaded all my power into my first throw. I have this same tactic in every competition."
MMIX
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