Olympics Rio 2016: Britain’s Sophie Hitchon snatches bronze in hammer, world record broken

Updated 15/08/2016 at 15:09 GMT

Sophie Hitchon has snatched bronze for Great Britain in the hammer after throwing a life-time best with her final throw.

Sophie Hitchon

Image credit: Reuters

The 25-year-old recorded a throw, which is also a national record, of 74.54m, after slipping down to fifth with her previous efforts.

“I am totally over the moon,” Hitchon told the BBC.

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“I had to double take. I could not believe it when I saw third and a national record.

“My coach has stayed with me through the tough times. He is the best coach ever, he had stood by me when I was ready to quit.”

It came after world champion Anita Wlodarczyk improved her own world record with a throw of 82.29 metres. The Pole beat her own previous record of 81.08 metres with her third throw of the final.

Zhang Wenxiu of China threw 76.75 to add a silver medal to the bronze she won in London four years ago.

WOMEN'S HAMMER THROW FINAL RESULTS

1. Anita Wlodarczyk (Poland) 82.29 metres WR

2. Zhang Wenxiu (China) 76.75

3. Sophie Hitchon (Britain) 74.54

4. Betty Heidler (Germany) 73.71

5. Zalina Marghieva (Moldova) 73.50

6. Amber Campbell (U.S.) 72.74

7. Hanna Malyshik (Belarus) 71.90

8. Deanna Price (U.S.) 70.95

9. Joanna Fiodorow (Poland) 69.87

10. Rosa Rodriguez (Venezuela) 69.26

11. Alexandra Tavernier (France) 65.18

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