Reinsch, the world record holder, was expected to win from her GDR
teammates, and she threw 66.88 to place just behind Hellmann in the
qualifying round. The double World Champion took control of the final
with her opening throw of 71.84, more than 4m clear of the field, and
it was not until round 5 that anyone else exceeded 68m. By that point
Hellmann had four throws beyond the best of anyone else, with a top
throw of 72.30. Gansky finally connected with a big throw in round 5,
71.88, after Khristova had thrown 69.74 to move into a medal position.
The international experience of Hellmann and European Champion
Gansky paid off, as Reinsch never looked likely to threaten for a medal.