Winger into women’s javelin finals at U.S. Olympic trials

It was a one-and-done kind of day for Kara Winger at Hayward Field.

Winger, a Skyview High grad, moved into the finals of the women’s javelin at U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., on her first throw of 192 feet, 10 inches Friday.

No need to do anymore as that one throw put her second overall behind Maggie Malone’s 195-7. Malone, the American record holder as of May, also took just one throw.

The top 12 throwers advanced to Saturday’s finals where the top three placers will punch their tickets to the Tokyo Games.

Winger is trying for her fourth Olympics. She competed at Beijing in 2008, London in 2012 and Rio in 2016.

The finals on Saturday are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Winger and Malone are the only two in the field to have previously reached the Olympic A standard of 210 feet.

Friday’s result was a milestone of sorts for Winger. She posted on Instagram how it’s been 10 months since her second knee surgery: “10 months post-op and 2nd flight, 11th thrower of Olympic Trials Qualifying today. Let’s get it! Filled to the brim with gratitude.”

Winger received a hearty applause from the fans at Hayward Field when she was introduced. She held the American record of 218-8 for 11 years before Malone broke it on May 30 with a throw of 219-3.