Former Javelin Throw Olympian Haruka Kitaguchi Talks about “Challenges to Winning a Gold Medal”?

In the javelin throw, the external environment, especially crosswind, has a great influence on the record. The wind can change the record by 3 to 5 meters. The biggest highlight of the javelin throw is that it is possible for an athlete who is not the real contender to be in contention for a medal all at once,” saidYukifumi Murakami, former national javelin thrower and executive officer of Y-TRAINING Co.

Haika Kitaguchi, 26, has won gold and bronze medals at the World Championships in the last two years. She is already well prepared to compete on the world’s biggest stage.

In the last competition, Kitaguchi won the gold medal by turning the tables in the final throw. It is rare for an athlete to bring the best record of the day in the final attempt of a big event like the World Championships. I think he has intentionally brought out his best for the final trial.

Also, I believe that Kitaguchi is able to look at the Olympic games calmly because she has been competing in an environment where she is constantly competing in competitions around the world. She will no longer be in a mindset of ‘challenging the world. I think she has her sights set on becoming the first Japanese to win a gold medal.

Kitaguchi’s style is to improve her record toward the final throw, but if she settles for a record of around 60m in the first three throws, the competition may turn out to be uneasy. Mr. Murakami said.

If the rivals throw more than 65m in the first three throws in the first half of the six throws, it will be impossible to predict which athlete will win the medal. The first three throws in the first half of the event will be a big advantage in the competition. Her challenge, the first throw, must be to throw a record of 64m or better, a record that will advance her to the top eight in the second half of the competition. If she can clear this, the competition will probably revolve around Kitaguchi. There is no doubt that she will make great strides toward winning the gold medal.”

The qualifying round for the women’s javelin throw will be held on August 6. Can the medal rush be given a further boost?