Melnik was the European Champion and world record holder, but had
been beaten twice by Menis twice during 1972. The Romanian opened
up well in the final, overtaking Danilova’s Olympic record 62.64 with
64.28, while Melnik struggled to reach 60.56. By the fourth round,
Melnik was in fifth place, and Menis improved her lead to 65.06.
Melnik had produced a relaxed throw of 67m in the warm up, and she
reproduced this form in the fourth to take the lead with 66.62. Menis,
who had earlier improved to 65.06, responded in the final round with
64.90. Stoeva completed the medallists with her fifth round 64.34.