Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic competes during her women's javelin throw final of the athletics competition in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 21, 2008. [Agencies]

BEIJING - Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic has won the gold medal in the women's javelin throw in a European record at the Beijing Olympics.

The world championship gold medalist was in second place until the last round Thursday, then produced a continental record 71.42 meters on the next-to-last throw of the competition.

Maria Abakumova had set a European record 70.78 meters as light rain fell to lead until the penultimate throw. Going last, she was unable to regain the lead from Spotakova.

Christina Obergfoell of Germany, silver medalist at the last two world championships, was third in 66.13.

Osleidys Menendez of Cuba, the 2004 Olympic champion and world record-holder, was sixth.