Commonwealth-Athletics-Viljoen wins javelin gold

MELBOURNE, Mar 19 (Reuters) South African Sunette Viljoen, centre of a bizarre doping case last year which was caused by her being pregnant, claimed her first major title by winning the Commonwealth Games javelin today.

Viljoen edged out defending champion Laverne Eve of Bahamas with a throw of 60.72 metres, setting a mark none of her competitors was able to match.

The 22-year-old's career had apparently hit rock-bottom last year when she failed a drug test after returning abnormally high hormone levels.

Facing a possible two-year ban, Viljoen soon discovered through further tests last April that she was in fact seven months pregnant.

She was cleared of the doping charge and even went on to compete the following month, where she finished fourth in a South African event.

Viljoen stamped her mark on the women's javelin final with her second throw, which was 87cm short of her personal best set just before the doping controversy last year.

''I'm very, very happy, I'm just going to enjoy the moment,'' Viljoen told reporters. ''I pushed myself to do my best and my technique came through.'' Eve's effort of 60.54 in the third round was the only throw which came close to matching Viljoen's, with no other competitor able to pass 60m.

Olivia McKoy of Jamaica threw 58.27m in the final round to take the bronze medal.

REUTERS PM BD1457