Primož Kozmus becomes Slovenia's first Olympic athletics gold medallist (© Getty Images)
2 June 2009After his first visit to Brazil, Olympic Hammer Throw champion Primož Kozmus of Slovenia catches us up on what he's been up to over the past month.
"The 'Brazil tour' that I decided to take part in marked a great part of the last month. I was awaiting the performances with big expectations, because of a new experience of competing on the South American continent, and because I was really curious about how much I can squeeze out of my physical and psychological shape at the moment. The tour was certainly a new career challenge for me. It was not only my first competition on the South American continent, but also my first experience to travel to this beautiful and unique part of the world.
"The flight across the Atlantic and three performances on Brazilian soil pumped me with adrenaline again and were a new source of motivation for new performances.
"Already upon landing in Brazil, my first breaths of the hot and humid air left no doubts that we would again be faced with difficult conditions. However, for me this wasn't a negative signal, as I have never had difficulties coping with and overcoming weather conditions that are different of those that I consider 'normal'. Again I quickly got used to the different environment, and also the time difference of five hours was soon balanced.
"I could hardly wait for the first competition to begin, because I knew nothing about the shape of my competitors. I was only pleased that I could compete against three finalists from the 2008 Olympics, so I knew the competitions would be a good sign of the current hammer throw standings. The competitors turned out to be exactly how I want them – very tough and always very close to my results. Dilshod Nazarov of Tajikistan was a very hard nut to crack and made me really show and do my utmost.
"The atmosphere at all three competitions was very pleasant, friendly and competitive at the same time. I was very pleased with my achievements. Slowly, but confidently I'm getting back to the shape I was in last year that brought me the Olympic crown. Another encouraging fact for me was also that the Brazilians proved that track and field is not an unknown sport to them, although it is clear on every step one makes that football is the absolute No. 1.
"At all three competitions there was quite a big crowd of people gathered to watch the performances. In Belem there were even as many as 30,000 people. They certainly helped to create a great competitive atmosphere and added to the motivation to do your best. I also have to compliment the organisers who were extremely friendly. They fulfilled all my wishes and needs and convinced me with their positive attitude towards sport and athletes, to return to Brazil for sure.
"The country also offers a lot of fun and natural beauty. Unfortunately there was not much time for sightseeing and leisure, but we are used to such 'business trips' which allow athletes almost no free time. Anyway, it was enough to feel the South American temperament, style and rhythm of life, which was enough to convince me that I would like to return.
"The overall sum in Brazil: two victories, one second place, 28 points for the World Athletics Tour, energetic people, beautiful girls, helpful organisers. Bottom line: I'll certainly be back soon!
"In the meantime, however, I've got much work to do. At the end of next week I will perform for my home fans with my first competition on Slovenian soil this season. After that I'm moving on to Poland and the Czech Republic before retreating to a small training centre in Croatia to prepare myself in peace for Berlin.
Lep pozdrav,
Primož
"The 'Brazil tour' that I decided to take part in marked a great part of the last month. I was awaiting the performances with big expectations, because of a new experience of competing on the South American continent, and because I was really curious about how much I can squeeze out of my physical and psychological shape at the moment. The tour was certainly a new career challenge for me. It was not only my first competition on the South American continent, but also my first experience to travel to this beautiful and unique part of the world.
"The flight across the Atlantic and three performances on Brazilian soil pumped me with adrenaline again and were a new source of motivation for new performances.
"Already upon landing in Brazil, my first breaths of the hot and humid air left no doubts that we would again be faced with difficult conditions. However, for me this wasn't a negative signal, as I have never had difficulties coping with and overcoming weather conditions that are different of those that I consider 'normal'. Again I quickly got used to the different environment, and also the time difference of five hours was soon balanced.
"I could hardly wait for the first competition to begin, because I knew nothing about the shape of my competitors. I was only pleased that I could compete against three finalists from the 2008 Olympics, so I knew the competitions would be a good sign of the current hammer throw standings. The competitors turned out to be exactly how I want them – very tough and always very close to my results. Dilshod Nazarov of Tajikistan was a very hard nut to crack and made me really show and do my utmost.
"The atmosphere at all three competitions was very pleasant, friendly and competitive at the same time. I was very pleased with my achievements. Slowly, but confidently I'm getting back to the shape I was in last year that brought me the Olympic crown. Another encouraging fact for me was also that the Brazilians proved that track and field is not an unknown sport to them, although it is clear on every step one makes that football is the absolute No. 1.
"At all three competitions there was quite a big crowd of people gathered to watch the performances. In Belem there were even as many as 30,000 people. They certainly helped to create a great competitive atmosphere and added to the motivation to do your best. I also have to compliment the organisers who were extremely friendly. They fulfilled all my wishes and needs and convinced me with their positive attitude towards sport and athletes, to return to Brazil for sure.
"The country also offers a lot of fun and natural beauty. Unfortunately there was not much time for sightseeing and leisure, but we are used to such 'business trips' which allow athletes almost no free time. Anyway, it was enough to feel the South American temperament, style and rhythm of life, which was enough to convince me that I would like to return.
"The overall sum in Brazil: two victories, one second place, 28 points for the World Athletics Tour, energetic people, beautiful girls, helpful organisers. Bottom line: I'll certainly be back soon!
"In the meantime, however, I've got much work to do. At the end of next week I will perform for my home fans with my first competition on Slovenian soil this season. After that I'm moving on to Poland and the Czech Republic before retreating to a small training centre in Croatia to prepare myself in peace for Berlin.
Lep pozdrav,
Primož
