Golden throw for Harting

Two-time world champion Harting was victorious on the sport's highest stage with a throw of 68.27 meters. His triumph gives Germany its sixth gold medal of the London Olympics.

The 27-year-old took overtook Ehsan Hadidi with his fifth throw of the evening, leaving the Iranian with silver - his country's first track and field medal ever. Estonia's Gerd Kanter finished with bronze.

After his win was announced, the ecstatic Harting ripped off his jersey and paraded around the Olympic Stadium with his country's flag around his back. He has not lost a competition in two years, but had not won an Olympic medal until Tuesday.

Most decorated Olympian

Cyclist Chris Hoy became Britain's most decorated Olympian with six gold medals after his victory in the men's keirin. Germany's Maximilian Levy finished second, while Dutchman Teun Mulder and Simon Van Velthooven of New Zealand tied for third.

It is the second gold medal at this summer's games for Hoy. He was triumphant in the men's team sprint last Tuesday.

"I'm in shock, you try and compose yourself but it's surreal," he said in tears. "I wanted to win gold in front of my home crowd. I saw everyone stepping up to the plate and thankfully it worked out for me too."

"I can't describe the feelings I have at the moment," added Hoy, who said he is competing in his last Olympics. "This is enough for me; this is the perfect end to my Olympic career."

With Levy initially ahead, Hoy pushed forward and rounded the final bend in the lead, and the other competitors couldn't catch up. Levy's silver medal finish adds to the bronze he won in the team sprint.

dr/mz  (AFP, dpa, Reuters)