In 1978 she set a new world record and also won the European Championships.
Two years later Jahl defended the Olympic title in Moscow, again relegating Vergova, also competing under her married name (Petkova), into second place.
From 1980 until 2016 Jahl was the only discus thrower to defend her Olympic title and win two Olympic gold medals.
Her feat was equalled by Sandra Perkovic of Croatia on 17 August 2016 at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
She retired from throwing in 1982 after an injury.
She later became GDR chairperson of a commission in the GDR track and field association DVfL.After the 1976 Olympics she married shot putter Norbert Jahl und competed under her married name for the rest of her sporting career.
Shortly after her retirement, she married the swim trainer Harald Herberg but she soon divorced him.