Andreas Thorkildsen

Byrkjelo, Norway - Conditions would have been perfect for setting a new personal best in the tailwind. Even with a new world lead of 90,61m Andreas Thorkildsen was not completely satisfied after the meet. His personal best is 91.59 meters.

-The conditions were almost too good, joked Thorkildsen after winning with a throw of 90.61m.

The throw was in fact not quite perfect.

- It's hard to say. But without the wind it might have been only 86-87 meters, he said to TV 2 Sport.

Yet there is no doubt that the result gives him confidence before the World Championships in Daegu.

- It's always good to get results. Tailwind is good when the spear is in the air, but it can be a bit difficult in terms of technical stuff in the run-up. There is still a small technical thing I can adjust up to the World Champs, but it will come together, smiles Thorkildsen.

He is the Championship's huge favorite.

- I actually enjoy having the pressure and expectation on me. I have my own expectations of what I can achieve, and I've handled it before, he says confidently.

Sports Director Ronny Nilsen, is not at all worried.

- Andreas is a big favorite, but he has lived with it for seven years. If there is a man who can handle the expectations, it's Andrew, says Nilsen.

Thorkildsen's coach Asmund Martinsen was also pleased with the result.

- It's a very good result, although Andreas is a bit disappointed that he did not get his personal record. I think he wanted it very much after he threw 90.61 in the thirdround , but I'm a happy man today, Martinsen said.

Thorkildsen admits that he is concerned with statistics and records.

- Slightly sour not to have new record today. But at the same time is the eighth time I win a competition with a throw over 90m. Apart from Jan Zelezny who did it 30 times, I am now tied for second place in the history of athletes who have done it. Next time I have another chance and it will be at the World Champs, grins a confident world champion.

source: tv2.no