Keshorn Walcott, the 2012 London Olympic Games javelin champion will put his title on the line against 11 challengers who will be seeking to secure one of the 30 medals that are at stake today, the penultimate day of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Competition starts at 7.55 pm (TT Time).
Despite all the pressure that has yet again fallen on this 23-year-old, shoulders four years on from memorable and shocking victory in London, this time the expectations are at its highest.
During Wednesday's qualifying round, the Toco hero Walcott in his first throw delivered when he recorded 88.68 metres, which was the best from Group B while he lined-up against Germans Johannes Vetter, who produced the second best distance of 85.96 metes, followed by German Julian Weber (84.46) and his compatriot Thomas Rohler, who achieved (83.01). The Czech Republic trio of Petr Frydrych (83.60), Jacub Vadlejck (83.27) and Vitezslav Vesely (82.85), will also comprise tonight's finalists.
Walcott, who has recovered from injury, is being handled by Cuban coach Ismael Lopez-Mastrapa in his attempt to become the first athlete from T&T to win two gold medals at the Olympics.
His win four years ago in London saw him joined the ranks of Hasely Crawford, the first athlete to win a gold medal following his feat ain the 100 metres event at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada.
Walcott, who coming off a second place finish in his last Diamond League meet in July while concluding his preparations, has quietly and professionally kept himself on the strict programme set by his team and the results have suggested that is well focused and prepared.
His physiotherapist Abdel Murguia Miranda has ensured his body is in prime condition.
Meanwhile, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, Brian Lewis told the Trinidad Guardian that: "Keshorn is a world class athlete and defending Olympic champion. His coach is one of the best. Keshorn has been prepared to deliver a big performance. His performance in the qualifying round caught people's attention. He's a big occasion athlete with tremendous mental strength."
ATHLETE ORDER
1 TTO WALCOTT Keshorn
2 GER VETTER Johannes
3 CZE VADLEJCH Jakub
4 UKR KOSYNSKYY Dmytro
5 FIN RUUSKANEN Antti
6 CZE VESELY Vitezslav
7 GER WEBER Julian
8 KEN YEGO Julius
9 GER ROHLER Thomas
10 ARG TOLEDO Braian
11 JPN ARAI Ryohei
12 CZE FRYDRYCH Petr
