by Larry Eder
Christophe Harting, Olympic champion, photo by PhotoRun.net
August 13, 2016. Engenhau Stadium.
The men’s discus is a fine event to watch. It is an event where big guys with big levers throw the classic discus two hundred plus feet.
In the prelims, Robert Harting, multiple World Champion and Olympic champion, did not qualify for the final. His brother, Christophe Harting, quite good, but much quieter, did make the final. But, this was to be Piotr Malachowski’s day.
The Polish discus thrower, Piotr Malachowski got the day off to the right start, with his 67.32 meter throw in the first round, cementing his hold onto first. Malachowski had a nice series, with 67.32m, 67.06m, then, 67.55m, furthering his lead. Piotr fouled on the fourth throw, then went 65.51m and 65.38m.
Christophe Harting started out okay, with a 62.34 meter throw. His second throw, 66.34 m, put him in second place, and his next two fouls, put him in medal position. In round five, Harting threw 64.77m. But, in round 6, on his last throw, Christophe Harting got it out there, 68.37 meters, a personal best and the lead in the discus. Harting had kept it in the family. With Malachowski’s final throw, a 65.38m, Christophe Harting’s wide smile was evident as the Harting brother now added to the family’s medal cache.
Just prior to Harting’s final throw, the last round had gotten quite exciting.
Martin Kupper of the Estonia, threw 66.58 meters to over shadow Gerd Kanter, Estonia and Lukas WEisshaidinger, Austria.
On his final throw, Daniel Jasinski, Germany threw 67.05 meters to take the bronze away from Martin Kupper. Jasinski had throw 65.77m, 65.01m, 66.08m, 64.83m, 63.31m and then, his big one, 67.05 meters.
What a nice day for Germany in the discus. I also enjoyed how gracious Piotr Malachowski was with Christophe Harting and Daniel Jasinski at the medal ceremony. Besides being fine athletes they are fine Olympians.
