On an evening of sensational drama at the 23rd European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam, Anita Wlodarczyk, Libania Grenot and Sandra Perkovic all brilliantly retained their titles.
It was track and field at its finest, with drama, excitement and some amazing performances in whatever corner you looked of the Olympic Stadium.
Wlodarczyk rarely fails to deliver and so that proved again with a sensational series of throws as she completed a European hat-trick.
Even the first round 72.82m would have been enough for gold for the Polish star, who then improved with every throw with 75.73m, 77.11m, 77.65m, 78.12m and, finally, 78.14m.
"I am very happy with my third European title," said Wlodarczyk. "It was a test and I am really satisfied that each throw tonight went further."
Italy's Grenot was on her lap of honour as she too kept hold of the 400m crown.
Grenot never looked like being beaten, and on the home turn maintained her strength to triumph in 50.73 from France's Floria Guei (51.21) and Great Britain's Anyika Onuora (51.47).
Croatian Perkovic made it four European gold medals in a row - but it was a tough competition for her.
Germany's Julia Fischer led after round two with 65.77m before Perkovic then produced a fourth round 66.03m and an untouchable fifth round 69.97m to seal victory.
