Veteran Nick Nieland today claimed England's fifth athletics gold of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Nieland led from the opening round of the javelin with a throw of 80.10 metres and was never headed at the MCG.
The 34-year-old also managed 80.06m in the final round and was the only competitor to throw over 80m.
Nieland, a veteran of three Olympic Games, said: "It feels great. I'm in the best shape of my life, so age is irrelevant.
"I've got Steve Backley coaching me and he's picked up on a few things in my technique."I think he made some money on me tonight!
"It's the first time in my life I feel I can make things happen.
"I think before my technique was a bit hit and miss. It's a lot more stable now and the sky's the limit as far as I'm concerned."
Idowu, who took silver behind Jonathan Edwards in Manchester in 2002, easily held on to claim the gold with South Africa's Khotso Mokoena half a metre behind in second.
Australia's Alwyn Jones took bronze with 16.75m.The 27-year-old had a disappointing Olympics when he failed to register a valid jump.
"It was emotional out there," said Idowu."The last two years have been a struggle. All the work I've done has paid off. I've got my medal and I hope it's the start of many things to come."
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