Dhaka, Sept. 22 -- Ecuador's Juleisy Angulo surprised even herself by launching the javelin 65.12 metres with the second of her six attempts to clinch world championship gold at Japan's National Stadium on Sept 20.

Angulo was ranked 31st in the world coming into the final and her winning throw beat her previous personal best by 1.87 metres.

"My goal here was to reach the final so I am very emotional, in shock. I still can't believe it," the 24-year-old said.

"I have dreamed of a world medal since I started athletics. I have faced some adversities, such as two surgeries in my left knee, but I persevered. I never gave up." Angulo's medal was a first at the world championships for Ecuador away from race-walking since Alex Quinonez won a b...