01 June 2009

Olympic javelin thrower Goldie Sayers has been ruled out of action for six weeks after being diagnosed with a partial stress fracture in her lower back. Sayers, who finished 4th in Beijing with a UK record of 65.75m, is remaining optimistic she can still make the Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland Team for the IAAF World Championships which take place in Berlin, Germany on 15-23 August.

The injury means Sayers will be unable to compete at next week’s Super8 competition in Cardiff on 10 June, the European Team Championships in Leira, Portugal on 20-21 June and the Aviva UK Championships and World Trials in Birmingham on 10-12 July.

Sayers said: “I am gutted to have picked up an injury at this stage of the season, particularly as I was in such good shape. The injury itself is not too bad, but the timing is. However, I have every confidence in the team I work with to make a full recovery and we are all working cautiously towards a two-fold goal.

“Primarily, it is to ensure the fracture is fully healed and does not have any lingering affect on my progression towards being at my peak for London 2012. Secondly, it is to make all feasible yet safe preparations for this summer’s World Championships in Berlin, which I still believe is a realistic goal.

“Training had been progressing well and I am keeping a positive frame of mind that 2009 can still be a successful year for me.”