Mickle Suffers Dislocated Shoulder in Competition

Athletics: Women’s Javelin Qualifying – Group A

Athlete: Kim Mickle

Venue: Olympic Stadium

A serious shoulder injury has cruelled javelin thrower Kim Mickle’s campaign at the Rio Olympics, with the 31 year-old dislocating her right shoulder whilst launching her third throw of the qualifying round.

Mickle was left in obvious distress, as she cradled her prone arm, waiting for medical attention to reach her on field. She was later transferred to the Olympic medical centre for assessment and treatment, with a shoulder dislocation confirmed.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games champion sustained the damage in attempting to throw 63m with her third and final attempt.

Signs of discomfort had become apparent as Mickle struggled with her first attempt of 57.20m before she stepped over and red flagged with her second attempt.

Throwing cation to the wind in scenes reminiscent of her 2011 World Championship effort, where she competed with a broken rib to qualify for the London Games, Mickle heaved her final attempt but immediately grimaced, clutching at her right wrist, to support her arm.

That Mickle had made the start line was incredible in itself. The Australian record holder had required a shoulder reconstruction following last year’s World Championships, after she exacerbated an injury originally suffered in the gym, at a training camp in Germany.

11 months out from the Rio Olympic Games, Mickle was given a 12 month rehabilitation window, yet managed to throw a tick under 60m in Perth last month to earn her place on the Australian Flame team for Rio.

Mickle was one of three athletes competing for Australia in the women’s javelin, with Kathryn Mitchell qualifying for Thursday’s final, whilst Kelsey Lee Roberts missed the top 12 cut off.