Katarina Johnson-Thompson leads heptathlon gold medal race after season-best javelin throw – but faces a nervous wait for Olympic rival Nafi Thiam’s score

Katarina Johnson-Thompson continues to lead the charge for an Olympic gold in the heptathlon with a strong display in the javelin throw that keeps her top spot intact.

The Team GB star was atop of the heptathlon standings heading into day two of the event after winning the 200m race in front of a raucous crowd at the Stade de France on Thursday.

Friday got off to the perfect start with Johnson-Thompson winning the long jump and starting with a strong opening javelin throw of 44.64m which was the highest amongst competitors following first attempts.

Her second effort produced a rare error from the 31-year-old as officials showed a red flag for stepping over the throwing line and in-turn placing huge pressure on her last attempt.

Johnson-Thompson re-established form with her final throw that ended up being a season-best effort with an impressive 45.49m launch that lacked power but was angled perfectly as it glided through the air.

Johnson-Thompson maintained the steely focused look as she refused to break a smile

There was no smile that broke out as the Liverpool-born athlete maintained the steely focused look that she has adopted throughout the morning session.

Her season-best javelin performance resulted in Johnson-Thompson being awarded 773 points for the javelin event and an overall lead of 818 points.

She now must undergo a nervous wait for double-Olympic champion Nafi Thiam to throw who favours the day two events and is viewed as Johnson-Thompson’s closest rival for gold.

More to follow.