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Harting steals discus gold with last throw

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-20 14:03

BERLIN - Germany's Robert Harting threw a massive personal best with his final attempt to take the men's world discus gold on Wednesday as the Olympic stadium erupted in a deafening chorus of cheers.

Robert Harting of Germany celebrates after winning the men's discus throw final during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin August 19, 2009. [Agencies]

Harting, one of only a handful of medal hopes for the hosts after he won silver at the 2007 world championships, threw 69.43 metres in the sixth round after sitting in second place throughout.

Pole Piotr Malachowski had led from the first round with a national record of 68.77. He broke that in the fifth round when he extended his lead to 69.15.

Estonia's Gerd Kanter, the 2007 world champion and Olympic gold medallist, had to settle for bronze.

"That last metre in my final throw was thanks to this crowd," Harting told reporters. "The fans were unbelievable and they screamed their hearts out. The crowd helped me in this final throw."

After Malachowski failed to beat Harting with his final throw, the 24-year-old Berlin resident ripped his vest and lifted the mascot in the air as some 40,000 fans celebrated their world champion.

Harting said by winning gold he had won a bet with the manager of the Hertha Berlin football club, who play in the stadium, to drive his powerful luxury car.

"Believe me I will commit as many driving offences as possible," he said.