IAAF Inside Athletics: Andreas Thorkildsen

[@pking8822]

Great interview as always, thank you

[@roimari]

Andreas won his champions in a time when there was only Pitkämäki who could challenge him. And Pitkämäkis career never reached it's full potential.. overrated. And hi admits it's

[@marilyncatterall402]

He still holds the Olympic record, set in 2008. I think he'd have competed just fine.

[@charlesthorndike2702]

"Andreas is overrated" really?! His PB is 91.59m, he still holds the Olympic record, he has thrown over 90 meters 8 times, which is the 3rd best ever (only behind Zelezny and Vetter). He held the U20 world record (83.87m) He won 2 Olympic golds, and 4 WC medals (1 gold, 3 silver). Double European champion. Held the world lead for 5 different seasons. And no, Pitkämäki was not his only "real rival". Makarov, Vasilevskis and Greer were all in their prime, or near their prime, when Andreas competed. Calling him overrated is being ignorant. I know Vetter, Röhler, Yego, and Hofmann all have thrown over 92m. But none of them has been as consistent as Thorkildsen when it comes to Championships, and when it comes to throwing far in championships. edit: Andreas still holds the stadium records in: Rome, Stuttgart and Stockholm

[@roimari]

@@charlesthorndike2702 Greer wasnt a real constant treath. Pitkämäkis potential was 95+ but his coach blew it. Teros style made javelin go way too high. And he still managed to go beond 90. Yes Thorkildsen has Olympic record. But still the Peking stadium record is by the Kenian.. Pitkämäki had always some major problems in Olympics. Makarov was past his prime by the time Pitkämäki and Thorkildsen were on their peak. Currently there is much more javelers that go beond 90 then 10 years a go.

[@charlesthorndike2702]

@@roimari Makarov threw beyond 90m in 2005. Thorkildsen beat him in the WC that year. Same case with Greer in 2007. Thorkildsen won the Olympics with a 86.50m throw, and a 90.57m throw. Became world champion with a 89.59m throw. And got the silver with a 88.61m throw in 2007. That is a high level of competition. And as I said held the U20 world record (for 10 years) I would not call him overrated.

[@charlesthorndike2702]

Number of seasons with throws beyond 90m: Zelezny: 8 Makarov: 3 Thorkildsen: 5 Pitkämäki: 3 Vasilevskis: 3 Yego: 1 Walcott: 1 Vetter: 4 Röhler: 3 Hoffman: 2 Kirt: 1