Steve Backley plans to quit athletics
Published : May 10, 2003 00:00 IST
Four-time European javelin champion Steve Backley (Pic. Reuters) is planning to quit athletics after next year's Olympic Games in Athens. Backley, who has won Olympic silver at the last two Games, is finding it hard to motivate himself for non-championship events.
The 34-year-old said that when he starts this year's summer season in June, he will probably restrict his programme to just a couple of British events.
"As far as I'm concerned there is this year's World Championships in Paris and next year's Olympics in Athens and I don't envisage carrying on after them," Backley told Athletics Weekly.
"I'm just focussed on those two competitions and if I have a harvest in Paris and a harvest in Athens and if I don't compete again, I wouldn't be bothered."