Mark 60.00m. 8 athletes passed the mark. Next 4 were added to Final. All three attempts from Päivi Alafrantti were initially voided. In the only measurable throw, the javelin landed flat. After a protest of the Finnish team officials and video inspection, the decision was reverted because it could be shown that the tip of the javelin struck the ground first, and Alafrantti was admitted to compete in the final.
3 athletes from: Finland, East Germany and Great Britain. 2 athletes from: Hungary, Soviet Union and West Germany. 1 athlete from: Bulgaria, France, Greece and Romania.