Lawrence Okoye is back among the world’s best discus throwers and feels his first international vest since London 2012 can help propel him towards Tokyo.
The British record holder reached the final at his home Games nine years ago and then embarked on a six-year career as a defensive tackle in the NFL.
Okoye’s celebrated return to the throwing circle continued with victory at the European Athletics Team Championships, sealed with a throw of 64.22m.
“I think it was a good and mature performance,” said the 29-year-old.
“There were some top throwers out there today.
“We’ve got world medallists and guys ranked in the top five in the world so I think it bodes well for me going forward. It’s the kind of thing I need to prepare for the Olympics.”
Facing a field featuring world bronze medallist Robert Urbanek, Okoye took the lead with a first-round throw of 62.98m.
That alone would have been enough for victory and a maximum seven points for the British cause, but he improved to 64.22m with his fourth and final hurl.
The Londoner has navigated injury and a global pandemic since returning to athletics in 2019, stymying his attempts to regain competitive rhythm.
Okoye is chasing the Olympic qualifying standard of 66m, having gone out to 65.56m already this season. His national record stands at 68.24.
Elsewhere at the event staged in Silesia, Poland, Jake Wightman kicked clear of the field on the back straight bend to seal an impressive 800m triumph in 1:45.71.
Maximum points on the track for Great Britain...again! @JakeSWightman was a commanding winner of the men's 800m in Silesia. 💥#ETCH2021 pic.twitter.com/Q4z7TKwn0p
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) May 30, 2021
Beth Dobbin dipped under the Olympic standard for a second time with 200m success in 22.78.
Britain finished third overall in the team event behind hosts Poland and Italy, their first podium placing at the Championships since 2013.
Sportsbeat 2021