Injury Scare For Heptathlete Wheeler

Western Australian Kylie Wheeler is poised to break her personal best at the Beijing Games after a strong first day in the heptathlon at the Bird’s Nest stadium. The 28 year-old has overcome a thigh strain to continue competition.

Wheeler was brilliant on day one narrowly missing a PB in the hurdles finishing fifth and then setting a new best mark in the high jump with an equal competition best of 1.89m.

At the end of her first session, WAIS track and field Coach Grant Ward told Perth Now that Kylie had performed well.

“Given where she’s been it’s a really good result,” Ward said.

“She warmed up really well at 1.71m but then got herself into a bit of a slump. But she got herself where she needed to be.

“You just have to keep it simple and she took it one jump at a time. I think she was always in control.

Day two of competition did not go as smoothly for Wheeler after picking up an injury in her long jump, her favourite event.

Wheeler jumped 6.11m but that is well short of her PB of 6.58m, but after complaining of soreness, her team decided to withdraw her from the remainder of the long jump to make sure she could compete in the evening session. Her jump of 6.11m would stand as her best jump with the score going towards her overall total.

Wheeler’s Coach Lyn Foreman told Perth Now that the injury was not serious merely precautionary.

“It’s just a strain and not too serious,” said Foreman.

“She withdrew just as a precaution to make sure she could continue with competition.

“With 6.11m she was one of the better ones, but she needed a strong jump because her javelin isn’t as good (as her jump events).

“But she’ll be OK and she’ll be right for the 800m tonight.”