Sports / Off the Field |
Javelins kept away from track for senior citizen event(Reuters)Updated: 2007-07-18 09:57 MILAN, July 17 - Italian officials said on Tuesday that javelin throwing would be kept away from the track during the Masters athletics world championships in September, which will include competitors up to 90 years old. French long jumper Salim Sdiri was speared by a flying javelin during the Golden League meeting in Rome on Friday after Finnish thrower Tero Pitkamaki slipped at the end of his run-up. Sdiri's injuries are not life-threatening and doctors do not believe he needs surgery but authorities in Riccione on Italy's east coast are taking no chances with the September 4-15 meeting which is for athletes over 35, including several senior citizens. "The fields for throwing events are outside of the tracks," Daniele Imola, president of the organising committee and Riccione mayor, told reporters. Cesare Beccalli, president of World Masters Athletics, added: "There are even people of 85 or 90. It is important that almost all are well prepared and accidents are rare."
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