Sergej Litvinov Interview

Throwers Unite recently got an interview with Sergej Litvinov Jr, Russian hammer champ with a PB of over 80 metres! He is the son of legendary thrower Sergej Litvinov Snr, 2nd best all time on the world rankings. Sergej is facing some interesting times at the moment with threat he may not be able to compete in the 2016 Olympics due to his country Russia currently serving a provisional ban.

1. How do you feel about the IAAF treatment towards the Russian federation?

Maybe it is a good chance for our country to change something. Change what? the “I need a medal” mentality. I choose not to dope and this was my choice, I never condemn those who dare. Why? Because sports educates people this way. Federations do, sponsors do. In every sports country there is the same story. I do not fight for medals, i fight with my self. The process is interesting for me. We will never know who was the best, but who cares? I know who am I.

2. Could you discuss the specific hammer training you incorporate into training?

I realised that there are two different types of specific training. First one is for similar (bigger) muscles that you need for your throws and for this i use kettle-bells and exercises with a plate. The second type is for improving muscles that you actually use when you throw the 7.26kg and for this you have to throw the 7.26kg. I try to limit the first type of specific training. For the second type there is no limits.

3. What area do you have to improve in to take you to that next level of throwing ability?

The main thing to improve is always the deepness of my concentration in my training process. I am the creator of the movement and i have to know everything about my movement. There are no limits for that.

We thank you for your time Sergej and hope your nation can be reinstated so you can reach the

Olympic Games!