In the absence of the top GDR and USSR stars, as well as Jane
Frederick, the best American, who was injured at the US Trials, Joyner
was favourite. Although eighth after two events, she was in with a
chance after a fine 14.39 in the shot which allied with a good 200m
(24.05), meant that she was only 20 points behind Simpson at the end
of the first day, while Nunn and Everts were within 18 points of the
American. Joyner’s best event was the long jump, but two fouls left her
with a safe effort of 6.11 to make, and this was the difference between
gold and silver. A jump in the 6.70 region would have meant a win by
120 points. Instead, Nunn brilliantly reached her lifetime best of 6.66,
and was 109 points ahead of the American, though one point behind
Everts. Nunn threw only 35.58 in the javelin, but Everts was even more
inept, reaching a mere 32.62. In the 800m Nunn set her fourth pb of the
event, to come home just five points ahead of Joyner, with Everts a
close third, just 27 points away from gold.
Australia
United States
West Germany
Great Britain
Netherlands
Switzerland
Sweden
France
Canada
Chinese Taipei
Papua New Guinea
Liechtenstein
Brazil
