The pundits were split on the identity of the likely winner, between
2003 World Champion Ivan Tikhon (BLR), European Champion
Adrian Annus (HUN), and Japan’s statuesque Murofushi, the number
three thrower of all-time (84.86 in 2003). Tikhon led the qualifiers with
80.78, from Pars (80.50), as five exceeded 78.00, the qualifying dis-
tance.
Annus was the first in the final to beat 80m, with 80.53, but the lead
passed to Murofushi with the next throw – 81.16. Annus took the lead
in the second round with 82.32, and increased the lead to 83.19.
Murofushi responded with two throws over 82m, but Annus appeared
to have won the day. Tikhon, looking heavier and slower than in 2003,
began with two fouls, and eventually won bronze from the surprising
Apak by 30cm.
The Hungarian winner took two doping tests after the event. Both
were negative, but analysis showed that the samples came from more
than one person. Annus refused to take a test back in Hungary, and was
quickly stripped of his title. Murofushi received his gold medal one
month later at a ceremony in Yokohama.
Tikhon (aka Tsikhan), who in the meantime had won, lost and
regained a bronze medal in 2008 (see report for that year), was ultimate-
ly stripped of his Athens silver. A re-test of his sample from August 23,
2004 revealed a prohibited substance. The placings above have been
adjusted logically, but as at June 10, 2016 the IOC have not publicly con-
firmed the upgrading of Apak and Devyatovskiy to silver and bronze.
JPN
BLR
TUR
HUN
SLO
SVK
GER
ITA
RUS
POL
FIN
GRE
UKR
SUI
AUS
ARG
POR
MDA
CZE
USA
TJK
CRO
KUW
ALB
