Primoz Kozmus of Slovenia wins the men's hammer with 79.99m (© Getty Images)
With the bulk of his summer competition behind him, Slovenia's Olympic Hammer Throw champion Primož Kozmus knows exactly what he needs to do as the final countdown towards the World championships begins.
"I needed to say good-bye to the preparation centre in Medulin with my team and return to my hometown Brežice. I was really looking forward to returning home to the domestic environment.
"I really miss my family and friends for whom the preparatory seasons of the last few months didn't leave much time for. This is why I value each moment that I can spend in the circle of "my people" even more.
"I stayed at home only a few days, because a small "European tour" was awaiting me – meetings in Bydgoszcz and Ostrava and the European team championship in Bergen. The outcomes were quite satisfying. Two second places and the fifth place in Ostrava were a realistic sign of my current shape. The throw in Bydgoszcz – 79.94m - was really encouraging, while in Ostrava I didn't succeed to throw over 78m, which is a serious warning that I have a lot of work before Berlin. Unfortunately the Slovenian team also didn't succeed to qualify for the super league, but there's another chance to do so next year."
"After Bergen we moved to the Croatian Olympic Centre Bjelolasica, where I have excellent conditions for training and peace, which I really need to gather my thoughts before the world championships. I want to show my best face in Berlin and make a great performance, which my fans well deserve."
"The only 'interruption' of the Bjelolasica peace and quiet was a competition in the Slovenian town Velenje, which I traditionally like to take part in. It is by all means the best and most famous track and field competition in Slovenia which also attract the most athletics fans."
"This year was no exception to this rule. I don't think I have ever seen more people watching a track and field event in Slovenia in spite of the moody weather that created problems for the organisers. I was awarded with great applause which for me was a special award for my efforts that I really appreciated."
"The biggest successes can only be reflected by the reaction of the public. And if these are so very positive, warm and enthusiastic as I got again from the people in Velenje, then I know that I'm on the right way."
Lep pozdrav,
Primož
"I needed to say good-bye to the preparation centre in Medulin with my team and return to my hometown Brežice. I was really looking forward to returning home to the domestic environment.
"I really miss my family and friends for whom the preparatory seasons of the last few months didn't leave much time for. This is why I value each moment that I can spend in the circle of "my people" even more.
"I stayed at home only a few days, because a small "European tour" was awaiting me – meetings in Bydgoszcz and Ostrava and the European team championship in Bergen. The outcomes were quite satisfying. Two second places and the fifth place in Ostrava were a realistic sign of my current shape. The throw in Bydgoszcz – 79.94m - was really encouraging, while in Ostrava I didn't succeed to throw over 78m, which is a serious warning that I have a lot of work before Berlin. Unfortunately the Slovenian team also didn't succeed to qualify for the super league, but there's another chance to do so next year."
"After Bergen we moved to the Croatian Olympic Centre Bjelolasica, where I have excellent conditions for training and peace, which I really need to gather my thoughts before the world championships. I want to show my best face in Berlin and make a great performance, which my fans well deserve."
"The only 'interruption' of the Bjelolasica peace and quiet was a competition in the Slovenian town Velenje, which I traditionally like to take part in. It is by all means the best and most famous track and field competition in Slovenia which also attract the most athletics fans."
"This year was no exception to this rule. I don't think I have ever seen more people watching a track and field event in Slovenia in spite of the moody weather that created problems for the organisers. I was awarded with great applause which for me was a special award for my efforts that I really appreciated."
"The biggest successes can only be reflected by the reaction of the public. And if these are so very positive, warm and enthusiastic as I got again from the people in Velenje, then I know that I'm on the right way."
Lep pozdrav,
Primož
