KUALA LUMPUR: Grace Wong was the shortest among the women's hammer throwers but she stood tall by qualifying for the Commonwealth Games final at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham today.
The Iron Lady of Sarawak hurled the iron ball 59.53m to finish 12th among 17 athletes.
The two-time Sea Games gold medallist, who has a personal best of 62.48m, is the first Malaysian woman to qualify for the final in a field event at the Commonwealth Games.
Team manager M. Iyaru said Grace's qualification was a proud moment for Malaysia.
"Despite her average height, Grace proved that she can deliver at the Games. She's a dedicated athlete and the future looks bright for her," said Iyaru.
Grace, who trains under China coach Gu Yuan, jumped for joy after qualifying for the final.
"It feels really nice to be among the top 12 in the Games and I hope I can improve on my PB in the final," she said.
In the qualifying rounds, Camryn Rogers of Canada set a new Games record with a throw of 74.68m. Julia Ratcliffe of New Zealand (68.73m) and Anna Purchase of England (66.45m) finished second and third respectively.
Malaysia's Australia-based Russel Alexander Nasir Taib advanced to the men's 200m semi-finals tomorrow after clocking 21.13s to finish second in the heats. Dan Kiviasi Asamba of Kenya was first with 20.76 while Alaba Olukunle Akintola of Nigeria was third (21.28).
Among the 58 athletes who competed in the 200m heats, England's Zharnel Hughes clocked the fastest time of 20.30. Russel's 21.13 was the 14th fastest.
Russel said running in the heats was about qualifying for the semis, not about the time.
"Very happy to progress through. I will rest and refocus for tomorrow evening's semis," he said.