Athletics at the 1972 München Summer Games:

In 1971 [Ruth Fuchs] (GDR) finished third at the European Championships. On 11 June 1972, Poland's [Ewa Gryziecka] broke the javelin world record with 62.70 (205-8½), only to have Fuchs surpass that on the same day with 65.06 (213-5½). Fuchs would better that record in 1973, 1974, and 1976. But already in 1972 she was a strong favorite and led the qualifying in München. The lead was taken in round one by America's [Kate Schmidt] with 59.94 (196-8) which would be her best throw and would bring her a bronze medal. Fuchs took the lead in round two with 60.20 (197-6¼), which was good enough for the gold medal, but she would surpass that twice in rounds four and five. In the final round, [Jacqueline Todten] moved into second place with 62.54 (205-2¼).