Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway throwing in the Olympic final (© Getty Images)
The unpredictable Norwegian weather which has kept Olympic Javelin champion Andreas Thorkildsen away from any throwing practice will not harm his chances of success at this summer's 10th edition of the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Helsinki, Finland, insists the athlete and his coach.
The 23-year-old has yet to throw a javelin outdoors this year and has been restricted to gym training as he waits for spring to arrive in his native Kristiansand, reports PA International.
However, Thorkildsen's trainer Asmund Martinsen is still delighted with the athlete's progress this year and insists the lack of actual throwing practice will not threaten his performance this summer.
“I'm impressed. Andreas has not only become stronger since last year, he's become a lot stronger,” Martinsen said in the Aftenposten newspaper.
Thorkildsen himself is not worried either. He is happy to wait a little longer before he begins his preparations for the World Championships in earnest.
“First the weather has to improve,” Thorkildsen said. “I'm not taking any risks and would rather wait for warmer weather. And if this weather drags on, we'll have to take a trip further south. But with over three months left until the World Championships I feel as if I have a lot of time. I've undergone so much general training that I feel ready for the season.”
