Mikko HirvonenTero throws to this season’s first win in Berlin
Berlin, 14 June 2009Tero Pitkämäki’s first international javelin competition of the first part of the season took place at the site of this year’s World Championships venue in Berlin on 14 June. This was the Golden League's first leg, and the aim was to find the right composure for the World Championships in track and field, which will take place in the same stadium.
Berlin was no disappointment. “Already the first warm-up throws went really well. When I threw an 85, that gave me the confidence I needed for the competition,” said Tero with satisfaction.
He won the competition with a throw of 86.53 metres. “It feels good to win every once in a while.” In the first competitions in Seinäjoki, Finland, the throws did not yet go well, and Thorkildsen won. “Now, during the week I went to a massage, which slightly improved the situation. I rested a little at the beginning of the week and found a good flow there.”
His entire set in the competition was 85.39; 80.72; foot fault, 86.53; 84.62 and 82.20. “The throws felt pretty good and even had a good position. It was quite an alright set. Three slightly longer ones, one basic throw, and two weaker ones,” says Tero.
“The Berlin Olympic Stadium is a very familiar venue for me. I have competed there five times, finishing first four times and in second once,” Tero says.
Speaking of the Berlin stadium, Tero finds that the conditions are usually good, and that the wind does not disturb the competition that much. According to Tero, the best wind directions are tailwind or a slanting crosswind from the throwing arm side. In some cases, a suitable headwind might also be a good thing. “If it is windy in Berlin, the wind will flow from behind because the spectator stand is open on that side,” he says. “Also the surface there is OK. Many throwers complain about it, but it suits me just fine”
The summer will be busy enough, but Tero is going to make short trips to his Vieremä cabin for a little relaxation. “It is good that it takes a little while to get there because then you spend several days.”
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