Things have been less than ideal since I had my big throw in Claremont to qualify for the Olympics, but I am confident that I will be back in good form by August!
After flying back to the Chicago area, I put in two hard weeks of training. There was a lot of heavy disc throwing, and I was really pushing myself in the weight room. To be honest, I think I pushed myself a bit too hard, as my old pec injury started acting up again.
After giving myself a bit of rest in the weight room,and taking a couple days off from throwing, I traveled to Kingston Jamaica to compete in the Racers Grand Prix. The day I flew in, I took two practice throws before I realized I had further aggravated my pec. I took four throws in the competition before scratching out, fearing I would injure my pec. I ended with a crumby 60 meter throw.
Giving myself a week off from throwing, I competed in the Madrid IAAF World Challenge, where I again performed poorly with a 58m attempt. My body felt decent, but taking that much time away from throwing can really mess with your timing!
A few days later, I threw in Sollentuna Sweden for the Folksam Grand Prix. This time my pec felt decent, but I had somehow irritated my adductor/groin during competition. I finished with another measly 60m attempt. I am currently waiting on my adductor and pec to feel 100% before I start throwing again. I realize that I will need to be 100% healthy if I’m to qualify for the Olympic Final in Rio(top 12 in the qualification round).
It sucks being sidelined, especially this close to the Olympics, but to be honest I’ve grown comfortable here. My whole career has been a comeback story. After tearing my pec in 2014, I threw my first 60m toss just last year in April. This year I had to throw 3.65m meters past my 2015 PR in order to qualify for Rio, and I’ve made it 4.39m with my new 65.74 personal best. I’m confident that I’ve got a little bit of magic left in me this year.