"20 meters 42!" The referee confirmed the result of Vince Jackson's shot. This is also the best result so far in today’s women’s shot put final.
The referee checked repeatedly before recording this result.
He has been a referee for so many years and has participated in many of the world's top track and field events. This is the first time he has seen a situation like Vince Jackson's.
An athlete's first trial throw was still a long way from 17 meters, which was completely unlike the result that should be seen in the Olympic finals. However, the second throw was a good distance beyond 20 meters, instantly entering the Olympic medal zone. . The improvement in this performance is so great that it is completely at the level of two levels, or it is completely like the performance of two people. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, it would be difficult for the referee to imagine that this was the performance of the same athlete in the same competition.
Seeing a result of over 20 meters displayed on the big screen, the audience did not care who had achieved such a good result, but gave them a very warm applause.
Melklov was disturbed by the sudden applause. He raised his head and looked at the big screen. When he saw the number "20.42" on it, he suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.
"20.42 meters, what a great result. Is he that soy sauce athlete from the United States?"
The world record for women's shot put is 22.63 meters, and the Olympic record is 22.41 meters. Compared with this, a score of more than 20 meters is nothing. However, those records were all set during the era of track and field record explosion in the 1980s. Modern athletes cannot even achieve a score of more than 21 meters. With a score of 20.42 meters, he can already enter the Olympic medal zone.
At this moment, Melklov's expression became solemn. He felt the pressure. He had realized that the unknown American player did not seem to be here to make fun of him, and he should pay enough attention to him.
"Coach, that American..." Igor Najav showed a worried expression.
"Don't worry, it's just 20.42 meters, which is not enough to win. Maybe it's just a coincidence and the American just got lucky." Merklov comforted him.
…
"I'm just telling you, I can't be so unlucky, and I won't be in extremely bad condition continuously." Dai Li let out a sigh of relief.
Li Dai knew that although the score of 20.42 meters was not enough to win the gold medal, it had already entered the medal zone. But what Li Dai cares more about is that this result has allowed Vince Jackson to gain a firm foothold in the top eight, which means that after the first three trial shots, Vince Jackson can make the next three trial shots, thus gaining three more attempts. A chance to gamble your luck.
When it comes to gambling on luck, of course, the more times you do it, the better.
"There are still four more opportunities for trial shots in the future. If you can get one of the four trial shots to be in peak condition, it won't be a loss." Li Dai thought with confidence.
Wence Jackson walked off the field. She seemed very excited. This result was close to his best result during training.
This is also the best result in the second round of trial shots. So far, the best and worst results on the field both came from Vince Jackson.
…
The third trial vote has begun. For the four players at the bottom, if they cannot squeeze into the top eight, they will be eliminated, so this is a trial vote that is crucial to their life and death.
After several athletes came on stage, no one could surpass the 20-meter mark. Vince Jackson still maintained the first position.
However, Vince Jackson also knows that the result of 20.42 meters can only win one medal, but it is not enough to win a gold medal.
At this time, Wince Jackson was not satisfied with a medal. She wanted to win the gold medal and win the first gold medal in track and field for the American team.
When she stepped onto the throwing court again, she had her sights set on an Olympic gold medal.
With a score of 20.42 meters as a guarantee, Vince Jackson can use some more extreme technical moves as much as possible, even if there is a possibility of fouling. After all, she has four attempts.
However, this time, Lady Luck seemed to be busy with other things and did not help Wence Jackson.
"16.95 meters!" the referee announced the result of Vince Jackson's third trial shot.
"Oh..." The audience let out a cry of disappointment. As one of the athletes with the best results, everyone naturally expected Vince Jackson to shoot the best results. However, she disappointed everyone. Her results were the second worst on the field, and the "first worst" was also Herself.
"I told you a long time ago that the 20.42 meters just now was just a coincidence!" Merklov raised his head with a complacent look, as if to show the world that he was right.
In comparison, Dai Li's expression was much calmer. It's like playing dice and betting on big or small. As long as no one cheats, then there will be losses when there are wins, and there will be wins when there are losses. And with the addition of status scale, the system will definitely not cheat.
After the first three trial throws were completed, in addition to Vince Jackson, Russian star Sergeyeva also threw a score of 20.33 meters, temporarily ranking second.
The four players with the lowest scores were eliminated, and the top eight players took a short break for three minutes. After the referee rearranged the order of appearance according to their respective scores, the fourth trial shot began. Since Wence Jackson's results were temporarily ranked first, she was arranged to appear last.
In the fourth trial, the contestants obviously fought harder. The first two contestants took extremely extreme technical moves, and both received fouls.
New Zealand's famous player Adams showed a score of 20.28 meters in the fourth throw; Hungary's famous player Marton also threw a 20.25 meters; Russian player Mirkina's first throw was 20.43 meters, surpassing Vince Jackson and rising After reaching the first place, her compatriot Russian star Sergeyeva threw 20.45 meters in one fell swoop, temporarily ranking first.
The Russian athletes began to exert their strength. Both Russian athletes surpassed Vince Jackson, pushing her to the third position.
Vince Jackson was the last to appear, but due to excessive technical movement, his toe stepped on the edge of the throwing area and was fouled. The shot was in vain. In just a few minutes, Team USA's situation turned from advantage to disadvantage.
…
"Well done, girls, well done!" Igornajav's mood seemed very exciting, as if the gold medal had already been held by the Russian team.
In the women's shot put, Russia's strength is indeed among the top two in the world. If the U.S. team had not been affected by the doping scandal, it might still be able to compete with the U.S. team. But the current U.S. team only relies on a young Wence Jackson does seem to be alone.
"I just said that the American was able to throw 20 meters 42, but she was just lucky. Her real strength is definitely not that strong." Igor Najav repeated what he just said, and then said: "There are still two more You are already ahead in the first trial, so don’t have any worries next time, just go and try your best! We want to win the gold and silver medals!"
…
In the United States, it is also evening time, which is prime time for viewing. Many Americans are also waiting in front of the TV to watch the Olympic Games.
In a small bar, a women's shot put competition was being broadcast on TV.
At this time, the atmosphere in the bar seemed a bit dull. Many people just stared at the TV with frustrated faces and acted speechless. From being a soy sauce player in people's eyes to first place, and then being overtaken by two Russian players in a row, this kind of ups and downs is indeed very disappointing for American audiences.
The opponent is the powerful Russian team, and there is also a famous women's shot put player Sergeyeva. If the American team is also a well-known player, the American audience may still have expectations, but Vince Jackson is An out-and-out newcomer, people will subconsciously feel that she is no match for Sergeyeva.
"The Russians have already taken the lead, and instead of giving the Russians a counterattack, our players failed the test shot. At this time, shouldn't the coach do something?" someone said.
"Yes, the coach should indeed do something!" A person next to him agreed.
…
Game scene.
Dai Li knew that there was nothing he could do.
He is now gambling on his luck. Whether he is in great form or in bad form is not something that Li Dai can decide. It's like playing Texas Hold'em, he's all-in, it just depends on what kind of cards he can get.
But Dai Li is still encouraging Wence Jackson.
"Wensi, don't have any psychological burden. This is your first time participating in the Olympics. It is already a very good result to win a bronze medal. Moreover, your opponents are Sergeyeva and Mirkina. They are both Internationally renowned athletes, you won’t be ashamed even if you can’t win. If you lose to them, no one will blame you. You have nothing to lose. Every extra centimeter you throw now is a harvest. So next Two trial shots, don’t be nervous or restrained, try your best, even if you can’t get better results, you are still a winner!” Li Dai said.
Vince Jackson nodded, and Dai Li's expression of indifference to the admission immediately made him feel more at ease.
…
On the fifth try, the competition among the athletes became more intense.
Two Russian players occupy first and second place, and in terms of strength, these two are better than players from other countries.
Although the two were teammates, they both wanted to win the gold medal, so when they came to the competition, they did not relax at all and both showed their full strength.
Athletes from other countries, such as New Zealand's Adams, Hungary's Marton, and the Chinese team's Li Xiaona, will not easily give up the gold medal to the Russians. They have also begun a "last-ditch" mode.
In the fifth test throw, New Zealand star Adams also shot a score of 20.42 meters, tying Vince Jackson's third place. According to the rules of the Olympic Games, the shot put score only depends on the distance, not the order. The two If the results are the same, they will be tied for third, which means there will be an extra bronze medal in the track and field event.
The same goes for silver medals, where opponents can be tied. But if it is a gold medal, there can only be one. If there is a tie for first place, an extra round will be required.
Russian athlete Mirkina, who appeared next, made a technical error and was sentenced to a foul. Sergeyeva improved her score to 20.48 meters and continued to maintain the first place.
Vince Jackson was still the last one to appear.
At this moment, she couldn't help but think of Dai Li's words.
"Coach Li is right. I am already a winner if I can get to this point. I have nothing to lose. Every centimeter more I shoot now is a good harvest!"
Vince Jackson took a deep breath, calmed down, and then started his fifth trial shot.
This time, she still used extremely extreme techniques, and saw the shot put fly steadily past the 20-meter mark, and then landed on the ground.
Wins-Jackson's fifth trial throw was 20.54 meters. Her technique of choosing the extreme also paid off. She successfully overtook Sergeyeva and regained her first place.
…
"You're pretty lucky! Another great performance." Dai Li breathed a sigh of relief again.
The score of 20.54 meters is already excellent enough. This is a score that may win the championship. And now there is only the last trial shot left. Faced with such a result, other players will definitely feel more pressure and may not perform properly. The possibility of Vince Jackson winning the championship has also become greater.
Dai Li couldn't help but look at the other coaches. At this time, many coaches had solemn faces, and the participating athletes also looked embarrassed. Obviously, 20.54 meters and the last test throw made them feel desperate.
Melklov no longer looked as energetic as before. Although this result of 20.54 meters did not make him feel desperate, it also made him feel unprecedented pressure.
He looked at Sergeyeva and gave her a look of trust.
At this point, Melkov can only choose to trust Sergeyeva.
The contestants began their final trial throw. The first player to appear was obviously under great pressure. She failed in her trial throw. Then the second player also failed to achieve the desired results. At this moment, every athlete who completes his or her trial shot will increase the probability of Vince Jackson winning the championship by one point.
Hungarian star Marton and Chinese player Li Xiaona appeared one after another. Their last trial throw was less than 20 meters, unable to pose a threat to Vince Jackson.
New Zealand star Adams appears on the stage. She is a 32-year-old veteran. She is no longer at her peak physically, but her skills and experience make up for this, making her still among the top players in the world.
This is also her last time participating in the Olympics, so she eagerly hopes to win the gold medal. Even if there is no gold medal, it would be good to win a medal.
At this critical moment, her rich experience really helped her. She did not panic, but calmly stood on the throwing area, and then perfectly performed a set of technical movements for throwing the shot put.
"20 meters 44!" the referee announced Adams' score.
This result allowed her to surpass Mirkina and reach third place. This was also the best result she could achieve. With this trial throw, her Olympic career also ended completely.
Mirkina was anxious inside. After the fourth trial, she was still ranked second and had the hope of challenging for the championship, but now she was in fourth place and couldn't even get a medal. And there is only one chance for a trial shot left in the game.
She is also an experienced athlete. At this critical moment, she forced herself to calm down and then walked to the throwing area.
"If I can do it, I can definitely do it!" Mirkina knew that the only thing she could trust now was her own strength.
The shot put flew out of Mirkina's hands and easily crossed the 20-meter mark. From the naked eye alone, it seems to be a distance of 20.50 meters, but whether it can exceed Wence Jackson's 20.54 meters requires further measurement.
Mirkina looked at the measurer expectantly. After a few seconds, the referee finally gave the answer.
"20 meters 51!" the referee announced the final score.
Mirkina suddenly looked frustrated. She still could not surpass Wence Jackson's 20.54 meters.
The one with an even more frustrated expression is New Zealander Adams. She is now in fourth place again and has not even won a bronze medal.
At this time, the only one who can surpass Vince Jackson is the Russian star Sergeyeva. If Sergeyeva's final throw cannot exceed 20.54 meters, then the gold medal in the women's shot put will belong to Vince Jackson.
…
In the world rankings in the past 24 months, Sergeyeva has always been among the top three in the world, and she has been ranked number one in the world several times.
Whether it is strength, experience or technology, Sergeyeva is at the pinnacle of her career. She is not afraid of any opponent in the world. The only thing that can prevent her from winning the championship is luck.
Sergeyeva walked onto the throwing area with a solemn expression. She seemed a little nervous, but the Russian team coach Merkov knew that it was not nervousness, but seriousness.
During the last trial shot, Sergeyeva also felt unprecedented pressure, but this pressure turned into motivation, making her even more energetic.
Finally, Sergeyeva threw her last shot of this Olympics.
The shot put hit the ground, leaving a trace clearly extending beyond the 20-meter-50 mark.
"Oh oh oh!" Sergeyeva roared excitedly. Although the referee had not announced the result yet, she knew that this time she would definitely exceed 20.54 meters.
"20 meters 63!" After repeated confirmations, the referee finally announced the result.
There was a huge round of applause at the scene. They were congratulating Sergeyeva and seemed to be celebrating Sergeyeva's victory in advance.
Melklov even hugged his deputy Igor Nagaev, and then raised his hands to the audience behind him, as if he had won the gold medal.
The television broadcast footage showed Sergeyeva, Merklov, Vince Jackson, and even Dai Li. Perhaps the broadcaster wanted to capture the frustrated expression of the head coach of the US team. .
However, Dai Li only frowned slightly, and then returned to his calm look.
For Li Dai, winning the gold medal is certainly the best result, but a silver medal is not unacceptable. After all, in the women's shot put event, it is not a sure win if it is replaced by the few players who have been implicated in doping. The championship and silver medals have exceeded Team USA’s goals.
And Li Dai still has one last chance to gamble. If the last trial shot is still in full form, Vince Jackson may still win.
Vince Jackson stood on the field, and everyone's eyes were focused on her. The women's shot put championship depended on the last throw.
The most nervous person at the scene was Sergeyeva. She had tried her best, but the final decision was in the hands of her opponent. This feeling of being in a superior position but still unable to control herself was really terrible.
"Don't worry, that American can't beat you. Her state fluctuated greatly today, and she couldn't even reach 17 meters twice." Merklov comforted his disciple, but in fact, he felt the same in his heart. Very nervous.
As soon as Melklov finished speaking, Vince Jackson shot the ball on the field.
"Boom!" The shot put hit the ground hard.
Everyone looked at the landing point.
"I have long thought that luck would be on my side!" Dai Li was the first to laugh.