News06 May 2013


Andreas Thorkildsen horses around in Doha

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Andreas Thorkildsen at Al Shaqab ahead of the 2013 IAAF Diamond League meeting in Doha (© organisers)

Athletics legend Jesse Owens famously raced against horses after winning four gold medals at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games but Norway’s two-time Olympic Javelin champion Andreas Thorkildsen decided he was better off on top, rather than alongside, his steed on Monday (6).

Thorkildsen, now 31, was promoting the opening IAAF Diamond League meeting of 2013, which will take place in Doha this coming Friday, and put in an appearance at Al Shaqab, Qatar’s famous equestrian center.

Although, he hadn’t ride a horse since his childhood, Andreas accepted the challenge to throw the Javelin while riding one of the famous Arabian breed of horses and dressed in traditional Qatari clothing.

“I suppose they gave me an easy one to ride,” joked Thorkildsen after successfully staying in the saddle despite being asked to pose with his implement and managing a few gentle throws.

“We have just invented a new sport, so I guess I am the best in the world!” he added, posing for a camera carried by his brother Christian, who is producing a documentary based on Andreas’ 2013 campaign.

Organisers for the IAAF

2013 IAAF Diamond League calendar
Doha, QAT – 10 May
Shanghai, CHN – 18 May
New York, USA – 25 May
Eugene, USA – 1 Jun
Rome, ITA – 6 Jun
Oslo, NOR – 13 Jun
Birmingham, GBR – 30 Jun
Lausanne, SUI – 4 Jul
Paris, FRA – 6 Jul
Monaco, MON – 19 Jul
London, GBR – 26-27 Jul
Stockholm, SWE – 22 Aug
Zürich, SUI – 29 Aug
Brussels, BEL – 6 Sep