Kenyan Yego relishes challenge at Rome Diamond League

Nairobi, June 5 (IANS) Kenyan world javelin champion Julius Yego regrets the groin injury that prematurely ended his Olympic gold hunt as he schemes for a better performance at the Rome Diamond League meeting on June 8.

After undergoing 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, reports Xinhua news agency.

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 top 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 the World Athletics Championships in London from August 4-13," Yego said on Monday.

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.

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 respectively.

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.