At last! - It's silver for Sunette

The South African, had a first trial throw of 64.95 metres, which set her up as the early leader.

 

Although the 32 year old struggled to regain that rhythm throwing 61.04 and 63.00 in the second and fourth rounds respectively, it was only in the fourth round that her lead was taken from her by Sara Kolak.

 

“I was so close to the gold medal it was right there right until the very end, but to win a silver medal – I couldn't ask for more after London, said the Viljoen who in 2012 had lost her medal in the final round of the competition. 

“London was never really on my mind, but my heart just began to pump, because gee-whiz, if I have to lose another medal in the last round. But luckily it never happened, and I was so happy with that.”

 

“I’ve been praying and dreaming about this for a whole four years, to become an Olympic champion, and to come so close. I tried and tried and I couldn't ask for more,” continued Viljoen, whose opener was close to her season's best of 65.14m. 

“ I had hoped to throw longer in my first throw because I was throwing huge throws in the warm up because the competition takes so long, and you start to cool down as it goes. I think the hardest thing is staying focused for the whole time.”

 

Despite being relaxed and confident with her opening trial, South Africa’s ninth medal winner of the games did not look at all comfortable for her final throw.

 “You know I wanted that medal so much and I know I have a big throw in my arms, I think I just tried too hard,” said the African Champion.

 

Viljoen will take a couple of days off to see something outside the village before going back to Europe for a couple of meetings including Lausanne and Brussels, and then get some rest. The long-term plan is to keep going as long as the Commonwealth Games in 2018 in Australia.

“ I don't think people expected me to come back the way I did which makes me even prouder.”