Johnson-Thompson Places Second in Javelin
- Katarina Johnson-Thompson achieved a season-best throw of 45.49 meters in the javelin.
- Despite her performance, defending champion Nafissatou Thiam dominated with a throw of 54.04 meters.
- This result places Johnson-Thompson second in the javelin event.
Liverpudlian athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson began day two of the heptathlon in a strong position but faced a significant challenge as the competition progressed. After a long jump of 6.40 metres, she maintained a narrow 45-point lead. However, her performance in the javelin saw her achieve a season-best throw of 45.49 metres, which paled in comparison to double-defending champion Nafissatou Thiam's impressive 54.04 metres, giving Thiam a commanding 121-point lead heading into the final event. With 5924 points, Thiam's advantage translates to more than an eight-second lead in the upcoming 800 metres, a race where Johnson-Thompson is typically stronger. Despite her personal best of 2:05.63, set last August, Johnson-Thompson will need to overcome a significant gap, as Thiam's best this season stands at 2:11.79. The final race on Friday evening will be crucial for Johnson-Thompson if she hopes to reclaim the lead. In other Olympic news, Great Britain is gearing up for the men’s 4×400 metres relay final on Saturday night. The team, bolstered by individual silver medalist Hudson-Smith, is determined to secure a medal. Hudson-Smith expressed confidence in the team's capabilities, emphasizing their strong mentality and coaching support. The British relay team secured an automatic place in the final, finishing behind a dominant American squad. Ireland also advanced, showcasing a strong performance in their heat, setting the stage for an exciting relay showdown.