Everyone was expecting Yuriy Sedykh to continue his winning sequence at major championships which already included two Olympic Games and two European Championships. Instead, the title went to his younger team-mate, the world record holder Sergey Litvinov.
Litvinov won the qualifying round before watching Sedykh open with 79.22. The younger Soviet responded with 82.68 four throws later. Sedykh improved on his next three throws, but could not get near this mark. Meanwhile, Litvinov – previously noted for his inconsistency – produced a marvellous series including two more 81m+ throws. Not only did the “wrong” Soviet win, but the USSR were deprived of their customary medal sweep in this event by the inspired Pole Kwasny. He went into third place after the second round with a personal best of 79.42. Then with the last throw of the contest, Kwasny unleashed 81.54 to overtake Sedykh for the silver medal. However, video footage of the throw showed that the Pole clearly had a rim foul at the front of the circle. After a Soviet protest, the throw was annulled, leaving Kwasny with the bronze. This decision was met with boos from the crowd when it was announced the following day.