NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's world javelin champion Julius Yego is still ruing the groin injury that ended prematurely his Olympic gold hunt as he schemes for a better performance at the Rome Diamond League meeting on June 8.
Even after nine months' rehabilitation, Yego still believes his performance has been greatly affected by the injury, which limited him to three throws in Rio, then earned him a silver medal.
But after a slow start in Doha on May 5, Yego has polished his throwing skills and worked on his left leg technique as he seeks to reclaim his to seed status in Rome.
"I almost lost my technique after the groin injury I sustained at the Rio Olympics. I have been working on my technique and flexibility and hope to pick up form at the right time for the World Championships. I am also aware that my opponents are working hard, but I believe I will have the edge in the build up to London," he said on Monday.
Indeed on Thursday, Yego will line up against Rio Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler, who threw the javelin to 93.90m in Doha last month together with other throwers for a javelin throw battle over the 90 metres barrier.
"Everything looks and feels good and I expect a great season. Rome will be a better show for me," said Yego.
The men's javelin throw is one of the competitions with more medalists in the entire Rome diamond league programme, the third stop in the 14 tier competition.
Not only will there be German Thomas Rohler, who has just become the second best thrower in history with his powerful throw to 93.90m in Doha, but a rejuvenated 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott and three world champions including Yego (2015), Vitezslav Vesely (2013), and Tero Pitkamaki (2007).
Rohler, Yego and Walcott went to the podium at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games winning the gold, the silver and the bronze medals.
The average throw of the personal best performances of the big stars of the Rome competition is 89.42m and three throwers have already put their names in the world all-time top-10 list.
