Petra Felke

Petra Felke, born on July 30, 1959, is a distinguished retired German track and field athlete renowned for her exceptional prowess in javelin throwing. Competing for East Germany, she achieved remarkable success, culminating in her crowning as the Olympic Champion in 1988.

Throughout her illustrious career, Felke made history by breaking the world record in javelin throw four times between 1985 and 1988. She remains the only woman to have thrown a javelin over eighty meters, with her record throw measuring an impressive eighty meters, or two hundred sixty-two feet and five and a half inches. This remarkable achievement stood as the world record until 1999, when a new javelin design was introduced.

In addition to her Olympic triumph, Felke showcased her talent on the global stage by winning the javelin title at the 1989 IAAF World Cup. She also earned silver medals at the World Championships in 1987 and 1991, further solidifying her status as one of the sport's greats.