Andreas Thorkildsen makes an emphatic comeback at the Finish Elite Games - Athletics news
Javelin thrower from Norway, Andreas Thorkildsen, finally succeeded in making a comeback at Kuortane and bagged the javelin competition for marking a formidable 84.33m mark, at the concluding round of the Finnish Elite Games on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
The field is the same venue where he had developed an injury which brought a hiatus to his career.
The 29-year old, Kristiansand born player boasts of being the only athlete in the history of javelin throw, who have had claimed all three titles which include the European championships, World Championships and Olympic Games. The young thrower, who believes
in constantly polishing his skills to do better on the field, won at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. He bagged the European championships in 2006 and 2010, along with the World Championships in 2009.
Moreover, he was the silver medallist at the World Championships 2005 and 2007. Presently, amid his world-class performance, he is placed on top of the IAAF world ranking in the javelin throw category. Other major achievements of his career include a world
junior record marked back in 2001. The Norwegian boasts of a personal best of 91.59m, which he set in 2006.
While competing at the Finish Elite Games, Thorkildsen took full advantage of the situation and accomplished the task of hitting a prominent mark. Kicking-off with the competition and completely disregarding the heavy rain, he opened up the first round with
his throw landing at a distance of 82.65m.
His first attempt alone could have been enough to secure victory for the two-time Olympic champion, but instead of relying upon that, he went on to mark another 82.36m throw in the fourth round. Overall, three of his total throws landed past the 80m mark,
which was surely long enough to keep other athletes away from becoming his rival for the title.
While expressing his feelings, the Norwegian athlete said, “I was more nervous than normally before the competition, because I hadn’t had any competitions in a month. I’m satisfied with my result and the fact that I don’t feel any pain now. Of course it’s
always something special to beat the Finns on their own soil.”
Among local competitors, Ari Mannio put up a spirited show in the event and hit the 79.60m mark. Mannio looked unsatisfied with his performance and thought that he could have done better, but he also admitted of feeling that he was enjoying the best form
of his life. He concluded his remarks and said, “Quite pathetic! My last throw was not bad at all, but I threw it too high, but I feel, I’m in the best form of my life.”
Thorkildsen accepted that he was rather confused before entering the competition as he had not been in an event for about a month or so, however, he added that he was satisfied with what he has ultimately achieved.
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