By TERRY JONES -- Edmonton Sun
 SYDNEY - Jan Zelezny is the world's greatest-ever javelin thrower. And the Czech, who will be a headliner at Edmonton 2001 next year, won his third consecutive Olympic gold medal here yesterday by beating arguably the best field ever assembled for the event.

 Unprecedented in Olympic history, seven javelin throwers threw over 85 metres.

 "I'm not feeling like a hero. I'm feeling like normal but with three gold medals,'' said Zelezny.

 Zelezny, the world record holder, was given a run for it by Great Britain's Steve Backley, the silver medalist from the Atlanta Olympics. Russia's Sergei Makarov won the bronze.

 "I know it is very difficult for Steve because he has never won an Olympic Games but I say to Steve 'sorry, sorry.' But we both have the same dream,'' said the gold-medal winner.

 Zelezny, who is the only three-time Olympic gold medal winner in javelin history, kissed the track after he threw the implement 90.17 metres to retain his Olympic record and win the gold.

 "I am a bridesmaid again,'' said Backley. "There is no truth to the rumoUr that I am getting a dress made up tomorrow.''