Primoz Kozmus of Slovenia competes in men's hammer throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Kozmus claimed the title of the event.

Primoz Kozmus of Slovenia took the title of the men's hammer throw at the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday evening, winning the first gold medal for his country at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Kozmus, sixth finisher four years ago in Athens and silver medalist at the world championships last year in Osaka, Japan, made a stunning throw of 82.02 meters in his first attempt, which eventually sealed the gold medal for him.

Wrapping himself in the national flag, the Slovenian jogged a victory lap in the packed National Stadium, known as Bird's Nest, to the roar of the audience.

Vadim Devyatovskiy of Belarus took the silver with a throw of 81.61 meters and his teammate Ivan Tsikhan rallied hard to win the bronze medal with 81.51 meters in his fifth attempt.

Japan's Koji Murofushi, who won the gold medal at the Athens Games, only threw the hammer to a distance of 80.71 meters, 2.2 meters short of his winning throw four years ago.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2008)