ATHLETICS: Australian thrower Kim Mickle has recorded a season’s best of 63.93m in the women’s javelin to come third in a strong field at the IAAF Diamond League meet in New York overnight and in the process record her third world championship A-Qualifier.
 
Competing in the third round of the IAAF Diamond League, Mickle opened the competition with a throw of 61.01m. She followed that with 59.89m in the second round before hurling the spear 63.93m in the third round to take the competition lead.
 
The West Australian fouled her fourth attempt while German Christina Obergföll unleashed the winning throw of 65.33m.
 
In round five, Mickle registered 59.28m before closing her series with 63.22m.  World javelin champion Mariya Abakumova of Russia pushed the Australian into third with her own final round attempt of 64.25m.
 
Mickle has already earned automatic selection to the Australian Flame team for the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow after a strong domestic campaign that delivered two A-Qualifiers, one B-Qualifier and the national title.
 
Her throw in New York was also very close to her personal best of 64.12m set in June last year.

Athletics Australia