THE SIDELINES : Great Britain’s Backley Sets Javelin World Record: 293-11

Steve Backley of Great Britain set a new javelin world record with a toss of 293 feet, 11 inches on his first throw at the IAAF Mobil Grand Prix meet at Stockholm’s Olympic Stadium today.

Backley bettered Swede Patrik Boden’s record mark of 293-1, set earlier this year in the United States.

Boden, who was also competing today in the same event, reached 264-4 on his second throw after Backley’s world record.