Polish Tomasz Majewski won on Friday evening the first gold medal of athletics in the Beijing Olympic Games.

Majewski continued showing his good form by putting the shot beyond the 21m line twice, with the Olympic title-winning result of 21.51 meters.

Christian Cantwell of the United States got the silver (21.09m) and Andrei Mikhnevich of Belarus the bronze (21.05m).

Majewski led all athletes in the qualifications Friday morning, creating his personal best in 21.04 meters.

The other two Olympic favorites from the United States, Reese Hoffa and Adam Nelson, performed badly in the finals.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2008)