Like father, like son. Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen, born in 1982, twice Olympic champion grew up, from his earliest years, on bread and javelin. His mother practiced light athletics at a high level during the seventies and his father Tomm successfully practiced the same art that has made Andreas famous all over the world. This is what we mean when we say imprinting is important. “When I started to throw the javelin I was 11, I was fascinated by that gesture I had always seen him make. He was my idol; then he became my coach.
When I turned 17 however, I left my home town of Kristiansand to train in Oslo and at that point Åsmund Martinsen took over my preparation”. Thorkildsen has devoted his life to a discipline that has enjoyed considerable appeal among the Nordic peoples. “I think the success of this sport in this part of the world basically depends on two substantial factors: nature has made us tall and well built (this young man is just one metre ninety, and he weighs 90 kilos, ed.). In this discipline these are important features. And then, as they say around here, it is history that creates strong traditions”.
To throw the javelin at your very best it is necessary to build up good speed in the run up, so as to transmit as much kinetic energy as possible to the spear; the qualities required are similar to those needed for running and jumping disciplines. “Throwing the javelin is a very technical gesture, you need a perfectly balanced combination of strength, speed and coordination; training has to be continuous and is, in part, similar to other athletic disciplines. The mind is fundamental, concentration has to stay at 100%. If you don't free your mind once you go out there, you can be the strongest man in the world but you'll never make the mark”. And that is the mark of this young Norwegian, he has made it already twice, winning his first Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004 and repeating it in the Beijing games. Furthermore, we should not forget that Thorkildsen held the junior world record (83,87m) until 2011, he established it at 19 in 2001 in Bergen.
In July it will be London's turn and his expectations are those of a champion: “My objective this year is to aim for the highest step of the podium and I hope to beat my own personal record which is still back in 2006 at 91.59m”. These are the motivations with which Thorkildsen is preparing for the forthcoming Olympics, each day he has two training sessions: one in the morning and one in the evening. When he puts down his javelin instead, he relaxes by going for a walk with his dog and his other great passion which is the Xbox 360. Very few distractions therefore for one who is ready to conquer yet again the honour of wearing the winner's laurels. “There is no other competition that has the value and significance of the Olympics: the games are the maximum, and they call for the maximum commitment. They are a very special appointment for anyone and there is no title that can be exchanged for a medal with those five rings on it.
However, can I reveal a curious aspect of the Olympics: to those who experience them from the inside, they seem much more similar than you could believe”. And if someone who has already won twice and is getting ready for his third tells you that, you can believe them.
L'Uomo Vogue, July-August 2012 (n. 432)
Fashion editor Pamela Bellafesta
Photo by Jorgen Ringstrand
Above.Suit by Lubiam; shirt by Aglini