Steffi Nerius ends long wait for her gold medal upgrade

From James Toney and Tom Oldfield, Sportsbeat, in Berlin

 FOR too many years Steffi Nerius has had to accept all that glittered was actually bronze.

AT LAST: After three bronze medals, Germany's Steffi Nerius finally wins world javelin gold in front of her home crowd

Despite winning the European javelin title in Gothenburg three years ago, she finished third in Paris, third in Helsinki and third in Osaka.

Deciding to retire after competing at a home World Championships, the 37-year old finally managed her upgrade at the fourth time of asking, with javelin gold at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

"I can't believe it, I don't know what to say now," said Nerius, after 67.30 metre season's best secured Germany's first gold of the championship.

"It's an absolute dream to win the gold in front of my home crowd and in front of my parents and my friends. I want to thank everyone.

"But nobody will be able to change my mind on retiring though, nobody. Nothing could ever be as good as this so I want to finish on top."

Barbora Spotakova, of the Czech Republic, was forced to settle for silver while Russia's Maria Abakumova completed the podium. 

Elsewhere, Kenyan Ezekiel Kemboi smashed the championship record on his way to victory in a thrilling men's 3,000m steeplechase - and also ended a long wait for a gold.

Kemboi's edged over the line in 8.00.43 to grab the gold while compatriot Richard Mateelong was a fraction behind, taking home the silver in 8.00.89.

But Frenchman Bouabdellah Tahri broke up the Kenyans' party to snatch a surprise bronze ahead of Paul Kipsiele.

"In 2003 I won silver in Paris, then again in Helsinki and Osaka but now I have my gold," said Kemboi.

"I was really patient and now I've reached my target. My family and my coach have supported me all the way and I will always remember Berlin."