One of the medal sets at the 6th Youth Games on 19 June in the athletics competition was contested in the women’s javelin throw. Athletes from three regions—East Kazakhstan, Turkestan, and Kyzylorda—made it onto the podium.
At the 6th Republican Youth Games, women’s javelin throw was included in the athletics programme on the opening day of competition, held at the Olympic Training Centre Stadium in the Almaty Region. The field of competitors was small—just five participants: two from the Turkestan Region, and one each from East Kazakhstan, Zhetysu, and Kyzylorda Regions.
From her very first attempt, 21-year-old Natalya Sokolova from East Kazakhstan seized the lead. Her closest challenger was 16-year-old Ulbolsyn Yesirkep from the Turkestan Region. After the first round, the difference between their throws was less than two metres. Sokolova steadily widened the gap and recorded her best mark of 47.25 metres on her fifth throw. This confident performance is a new personal best for her, likely giving her a significant boost. Her next target, one would assume, is the Master of Sport standard of 50 metres.
Ulbolsyn Yesirkep took second place with a result of 39.50 metres. It's worth noting that she was the youngest competitor in the field at just 16 years old. The bronze medal went to Balnur Kalniyaz from the Kyzylorda Region with a throw of 36.97 metres.
6th Youth Games. Athletics. 19 June, Almaty Region. Olympic Training Centre Stadium
Women’s Javelin Throw:
- Natalya Sokolova (East Kazakhstan Region) – 47.25 metres
- Ulbolsyn Yesirkep (Turkestan Region) – 39.50
- Balnur Kalniyaz (Kyzylorda Region) – 36.97
In the photo: 19 June, Youth Games. Natalya Sokolova, the javelin throw champion, during her attempt.
