Athletics at the 1972 München Summer Games:

In 1971 Ruth Fuchs (GDR) finished third at the European Championships. On 11 June 1972, Poland's Ewa Gryziecka broke the javelin world record with 62.70 (205-8½), only to have Fuchs surpass that on the same day with 65.06 (213-5½). Fuchs would better that record in 1973, 1974, and 1976. But already in 1972 she was a strong favorite and led the qualifying in München. The lead was taken in round one by America's Kate Schmidt with 59.94 (196-8) which would be her best throw and would bring her a bronze medal. Fuchs took the lead in round two with 60.20 (197-6¼), which was good enough for the gold medal, but she would surpass that twice in rounds four and five. In the final round, Jacqueline Todten moved into second place with 62.54 (205-2¼).