Jan Zelezny (CZE) in training (© fotobanka)
PragueLegendary Czech javelin thrower Jan Zelezny, the three time World and Olympic champion and world record holder, after a 2002 season ruined by injury is still putting his trust in the usual training plans.
Today, Zelezny heads to the South African training centre of Potchefstroom where he will stay till the middle of March. This time no competitions are planned. That is logical, because after an unsuccessful summer season bothered by a rib injury, he underwent crucial surgery in the autumn.
"Now I am feeling excellent, no pains. But I will know more about my fitness status in Africa. I need to start with my usual training, including throws. Then I will see what could be possible in summer. I do not have any competitions planned yet, I need to wait to see what my body will say. My back is the main point. I will use the same training scheme from 2001, that was a very successful year.”
“I know I will meet some other world class throwers there (South Africa). Of course, I will also have with me two fishhooks (fishing is Zelezny’s passion) but the priority is for training. I had an excellent holiday recently during Christmas, but already early in January all the 'buzz' started again. I did a commercial for a diet supplement for joints that took a lot of energy out of me but in South Africa I will give enough time for my training."
In Potchefstroom, Zelezny will work with a group of close friends from Prague, headed by Decathlon world record holder Roman Sebrle, who arrived in South Africa earlier last week.
Alfons Juck for the IAAF
