Reigning Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams faces stiff competition as she attempts to defend her title, with rival Nadzeya Ostapchukhas continuing her recent rise in form.
The Belarusian improved on her own national record at the Belarus national championships in Grodno on July 6 with a put of 21.39m. She had three of more than 21 metres in the competition - 21.32m in round two, 21.05m in the third and the 21.39m in the sixth.
Those efforts all surpassed Adams' best throw of the year, the 21.03m she managed at the Rome Diamond League event. Not only that, but Ostapchukhas' two biggest throws also best Adams' career best of 21.24m.
Adams this morning maintained her unbeaten record this season in her lead up to London, with a winning shot put of 20.97m in Tomblaine, France.
She was consistent with all attempts more than 20 metres, but all still fell short of Ostapchukhas' throws.
