Czech Sets World Record of 294-2 in Javelin

Jan Zelezny of Czechoslovakia broke the world record in the javelin with a throw of 294 feet 2 inches Saturday night in the Bislett Games at Oslo, Norway.

On his final throw, Zelezny broke the record of 293-11 set by Steve Backley of England 12 days earlier. Zelezny recently recovered from a back injury that sidelined him for four months earlier this year.

“I’m fit now, but I didn’t think about world records before the (European) season started,” said Zelezny, who held the javelin mark until it was broken in March by Patrik Boden of Sweden.

Boden’s record was then topped by Backley, who finished second in the Bislett meet with a toss of 288-6. Zelezny’s throw was the 49th world record set at Bislett Stadium since 1924.

Carl Lewis won the 100 meters in a photo finish, edging Linford Christie of England and Olapade Adeniken of Nigeria in the relatively slow time of 10.26. Christie finished second in 10.27 and Adeniken was third in 10.28.

Joe Falcon, from the University of Arkansas, won the Dream Mile in 3:49.31, beating favored Peter Elliott of England.