19 Aug 2008

Brown lays "golden egg" in discus

1:18 pm on 19 August 2008

Stephanie Brown Trafton hurled her way to the Olympic women's discus title laying a "golden egg" at the Bird's Nest to become the first American winner of the event in 76 years.

The 1.93 metre (6ft 4in) Californian's first throw of 64.74 metres was enough for victory, giving a welcome boost to the Americans who'vewho have had a thin few days in the athletics.

The 28-year-old former basketball player failed to reach the final in her first Olympics in Athens four years ago, despite the extraordinary leverage her height gives her.

And she was even able to foul half her throws.

Trafton says she's surprised the Americans haven't won more track and field medals.

Yarelys Barrios of Cuba took silver with her second throw of 63.64m and Olena Antonova of Ukraine clinched bronze with a season's best 62.59m.