Dutch athlete wins first shot put world title with dramatic final throw in Tokyo

Jessica Schilder became the first Dutch athlete to win a world title in shot put Saturday, capturing gold at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo with a decisive final throw of 20.29 meters.

The 26-year-old from Volendam edged American Chase Jackson, who secured silver with a throw of 20.21 meters on her final attempt.

Schilder, who told RTL she was “tired after a long season” and needed “two cans of energy drink to perk up,” struggled in her first five throws, failing to reach 20 meters and falling to fourth place with 19.51. Her final throw, however, delivered the biggest victory of her career.

This was her second World Championships medal, following bronze in Eugene in 2022. Schilder is also a two-time European champion, having won gold at the European Indoors in Apeldoorn in March with a Dutch record of 20.69 meters and silver at the World Indoors in Nanjing two weeks later. She added four Diamond League victories to her record this summer.