I thought it was about time that I gave you an update!

It has been a very hectic start to the new year but very productive at the same time. I am busily trying to prepare for the European Winter Throws in Arles (south of france) on the 20th of march. However, the snow keeps on getting in the way! I was supposed to be throwing today but it has been constantly snowing all morning! I have never had a more disrupted winter training from the weather!! It just means that we have to be very creative with the training program and open to change.


Training has gone very well over the winter and especially in South Africa which was a fantastic trip and great environment for training. I have lifted a few PBs in the gym which is always nice. My back has been stiff but is very manageable with quality treatment and I have been throwing well, especially in the sun which is always beneficial for loosening muscles (unlike today!). I should be on for a great season as well as a good first competition in Arles as long as my preparation isn't too hampered by extreme weather.


I hope you have been enjoying the Winter Olympics.....i am a big fan of the Ski Cross, it's mad!



Thanks again for your ongoing support,



Goldie

Posted on 22 Feb 2010 by Goldie Sayers

I had a fabulous rest day on saturday in london where i spent the day with family looking around Borough Market and trying a few nibbles.

We then wandered down the road to Floatworks where i enjoyed an hour of floatation at the Floatworks. A floatation tank is a large pod filled with water and a huge amount of Epsom salts. You lie in the pod and the salty water allows you to float as if you were lying in the Dead Sea. The induced weightlessness allows the muscles to relax totally and the whole body and mind to be rejuvinated. Fantastic!

For more info on floating, check out www.floatworks.com

Posted on 11 Jan 2010 by Goldie Sayers

Thank heavens for the indoor throwing net at Loughborough! With the plummeting temperatures and snow on the ground it has been really useful. I have got a feeling that my coach and I will be using the indoor throwing facilities quite a bit over the Christmas holiday period if the snow hangs around. I can cope with wind and rain whilst throwing but snow and ice are a little tricky!

Training has gone pretty well so far and my back is strengthening nicely. I have done a fair bit of throwing off a short approach which has gone well. It will be interesting to see how the back responds off a longer approach after Christmas. I think I will save that for the warmth of South Africa though!
As magical as Christmas is, it can sometimes pose a challenging time of year for athletes as local sport facilities (understandably) tend to close for the holiday period. In order to keep training and stay fit I sometimes find myself having to be quite creative to locate open training venues. I do give myself some time off though, and enjoy a hearty meal in front of a warm fire on Christmas day. I figure, I get one rest day a week, I might as well shift it around so that day falls on Christmas!

Last Thursday I went to see Avatar, the new 3D movie (it is fantastic, I highly recommend it!). In the 2+ hours from entering the cinema to the time we left about a 15cm of snow had fallen! The area outside was like a playful war zone with kids having their first snowball fights of the winter. I have to say there were a few talented throwers amongst the kids. Perhaps UKA should go talent-spotting around the snow laden parks of Great Britain to find the next Steve Backley! As I walked in the direction of home I took a direct hit from a little 10 year old, and I was itching to get involved! I turned and laughed and thought to myself, these days I think I would need to warm up before any 'impromptu' throwing!

I am now really looking forward to our upcoming training camp in South Africa in January. I am sure if the snow lingers we will be even more grateful for the sun.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and fabulous 2010....

Posted on 23 Dec 2009 by Goldie Sayers

I have just finished my first training block and have completed 25 core sessions to stabilise my back in that time!

I have been spending half my time in Loughborough in order to get more physio time with Rone which has been hugely beneficial. My back was a bit traumatised when I first started training but it seems to have settled down a bit now having got used to its new biomechanics.

This week is an easier week. I intend to get down to the London Floatworks and use a floatation tank for an hour. This is where you submerge yourself in a tank full or epsom salts which makes you float and takes all the pressure off your joints as you become weightless. It is fantastic and very relaxing!

A big thank you to David Stanley and the Surrey Free Masons who hosted a dinner on friday night that I spoke at. They were a lovely group and I was very touched to be given a set of candles that a nice man won in the raffle and donated to me :-)

Posted on 09 Nov 2009 by Goldie Sayers

I returned yesterday from a very enjoyable World Javelin conference at the Olympic Training Centre in Kuortane, Finland. It was great to catch up with many old faces and hear from great athletes such as Tero Pitkamaki and Steffi Nerius amongst others about their career's and training.

We heard presentations from athletes, coaches, medics and statisticians relating to javelin throwing. I now have to write a report on the second day of the conference for the European Athletics Association.

Below is my most recent blog for the UKA website.........
It’s been a few months since my last blog in July, and a lot has happened!

After my back injury in early May, my season was never going to be easy; but with a promising Crystal Palace comeback competition, I was hopeful of a decent performance in Berlin. However, qualifying rounds always highlight any weaknesses in the armoury, and my power levels were definitely down on previous years. This was no doubt due to having to cut back on intense training whilst rehabilitating my back. I unfortunately missed the final by a single place and had to sit in the stands to watch the final - which is never a fun experience! That said, it was a pretty exciting final. It produced the first German winner of the Championships, Steffi Nerius, in her last year before retirement.

Despite my very disappointing champs it was great to see all the other British athletes do so well. Jess is a huge inspiration to come back after a stress fracture to become World Champion. I thought Lisa and Jenny were superb and it was great to see Phillips make up for his disappointment from last year (although I don’t think many of us would call an Olympic silver medal ‘disappointing’). I also very much enjoyed watching the exciting throws finals, especially the women’s shot and men’s discus.

I carried on after Berlin and did a couple more competitions, but felt emotionally drained after having put so much into the World Championship season. If I'm completely honest, I let go a sigh of relief when my season came to a close in late August – it had been a very tough several months.

I took a few weeks off to relax, recover, and catch up with friends and family During that time I had a pleasant surprise when I learnt that I had performed well on the exam I was studying for when I got diagnosed with the stress fracture in my back. Quite a pleasant surprise!

I am now fully rested and looking forward to a solid winter’s training, and an exciting 2010 season! I will of course have to keep looking after my back, but I am hoping it doesn’t cause me any more problems. This week marks the beginning of my winter training, and I'm certainly feeling that normal early season stiffness while my body gets accustomed to training again!

Until next time...

Goldie

P.S. It was great to see that Rio de Janeiro got awarded the 2016 Olympics, that should be one hell of a party!

Posted on 13 Oct 2009 by Goldie Sayers

After a nice break and a great SportsAid ball on the 1st oct (thanks to the SportsAid guys), i was back into full training on monday morning. It is now wednesday night and my arse is killing!

Posted on 07 Oct 2009 by Goldie Sayers

It wasn't the performance i was hoping for in Berlin but after battling back from a significant injury, i can be proud to have been there and done my best to qualify. Unfortunately i slipped on my first throw which always puts you under pressure for the final two throws. The second attempt did not go well. The third was pretty good but just didn't seem to have the air time. I thought i had half a chance of qualifying as the first pool of throwers were definitely stronger than the second but when Sava Lika pulled out a 59m throw in round three, i knew i was out. 13th place is always frustrating, injured or not!

Since Berlin i managed to get a competition in in Tallinn in Estonia. I did well to finish 2nd behind Abakumova with 59.26m. It is always hard to compete after a major championships as there isn't the same motivation or adrenalin. My body was feeling a bit fragile from a long season too.

My last competition will be at Gateshead on monday. I have not competed enough to qualify for the World Athletics Final as i am one competition short but i will be relieved to finish what has been a really hard year!

Posted on 28 Aug 2009 by Goldie Sayers

It was great to be back competing after a tough few weeks with my back. I was struggling to find my timing off a full run up having had such a short amount of time to prepare for crystal palace. I was even considering world champs to be coming around too soon. But what a difference four days makes! I was considering calling it a day on the season as the tuesday before Palace i flared my back up and was throwing really badly. However my doctor (Robin Chakraverty), physio (Rone Thompson) and I had a discussion and decided i had nothing to lose by competing, so i did.

Although it wasn't the greatest distance in the world, i felt i was in control of the run up and i was very consistent around 59m without trying too hard. It was just nice to be competing! And Crystal Palace always has one of the best atmospheres anywhere in the world. The crowd was fantastic.

I have had a good week since and found time to go to the Cambridge Folk Festival. I spent a lot of time there as a kid as my dad was a musician so it was fun to go down memory lane. The Zutons were great as well as many more established bands. I would highly recommend it!

The GB team is off to Portugal tomorrow for our holding camp. We are staying in a golf resort. Golf will be off the menu for me unfortunately but i am looking forward to some good recovery and quality sessions.........

Posted on 03 Aug 2009 by Goldie Sayers

It was nice to be back competing at the trials on sunday even if it was off a short approach.

I am excited to have won my 7th AAA's title in a row but now i have to spend the next two weeks finding my timing off a full run up.

My back has responded really well to training and treatment so i am now looking ahead to Crystal Palace and Monaco to secure my place for Berlin.

Posted on 14 Jul 2009 by Goldie Sayers

This is a ‘heads up’ on the blog that will be published on the UKA website this week........and i have some good news!! :-)


A lot has happened since my last blog two months ago!

To begin with, in mid May I was diagnosed with a partial stress fracture in my lumbar (L5) spine. Initially I was told to rest fully, which was very tough mentally, but thankfully I had a distraction. I am completing my Professional Diploma at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and so fully immersed myself in exam study and physical rest. After two weeks, and consultations with a team of top spinal specialists, I began my return to javelin.

Since then i have been progressing slowly but surely every week, spending over an hour (in addition to normal training!!) each day strengthening and stabilising my core muscles. This core work is serving to alleviate any pressure on my damaged vertebra. Combining core work with some fantastic treatment by my physio Rone Thompson, creative strength and conditioning work with Tommy Yule, and great medical support from Dr Rob Chakraverty, I have gradually got back to pre-injury strength and stability. My coach Mark Roberson and I have had to change my training to accommodate my injury, but we remain focused competing in Berlin, and competing well.

After completing my marketing exam, and still being somewhat restricted in training, I found I was very interested in another wonderful pursuit – gardening. I never thought i would say this but there are not many things more satisfying than planting a seed and watching it grow. I now have a great crop of tomatoes, beans, and herbs as well as a few lettuces. I also decided to plant a sunflower (they are my favourite flowers) with the thought that it might flower at the end of july, marking my planned return to competition at Crystal Palace.

My sunflower has flowered prematurely; however, given I'll be competing at Trials this Sunday off a shortened run up, the timing is very welcome. This year I'll be throwing for my 7th AAAs title in a row, so please join the sunflower and send me warmth and good vibes! I have a further goal of winning my 10th title in 2012 leading into the London Olympics, so this weekend is both part of my short term and long term goals plan.
I have no particular distance goals for the weekend, but trust that with a technically focused series of throws I will not only be pleased with my distance, but also walk off the track in one piece!

Posted on 06 Jul 2009 by Goldie Sayers

The last three weeks have been challenging and an experience......having to rest whilst i would have normally been getting ready to compete was tough!

I have started (very) light training again to build back up to throwing gently in a few weeks time. The plan, and my mindset are very firmly set to compete at the World Champs - and compete well! My back will have to be monitored on a dayly/weekly basis but i am confident that i can get it better week by week. I have been doing an hour a day on the pilates reformer with my physio which i think will be a great training tool for me long-term.

On a slightly more positive note, i had a great evening last night at the LOCOG constructors ball. I was sharing the after-dinner speaking duties with Jason Gardner. The construction guys were not only a lovely bunch, but very down-to-earth which made for a very fun night. Thank you!

Posted on 13 Jun 2009 by Goldie Sayers

I have some bad news.....

Last week I was diagnosed with a partial stress fracture in my lowest lumber vertebrae. I was aware that my lower back was a bit stiff (especially at Loughborough) but I didn’t feel it was that bad as the odd bit of discomfort is part and parcel of being an athlete, especially in javelin! However, my symptoms changed and since about the 21st of May, my back has been more painful. Last week I went straight up to see Rone (my physio) in Loughborough, and although she was able who got myto get my back moving properly again but unfortunately the damage had been done. I saw the doc the next day (Wednesday) and was sent for an MRI and then a CT scan to see how badly damaged the bone was.

The injury itself isn’t that bad but the timing is challengingthe greatest challenge, the timing of it is. I am pretty gutted about it but also very positive that I can get into some reasonablekind of shape for the World Champs and then use some mental strength to do the rest. The My main priority for the next four weeks is to enable the my bone to heal fully so it does not become a long term problem.- a priority Unfortunately that means near total rest. After four weeks I can bring in some exercises but I have to keep extension, rotation and impact to a minimum.....unfortunately most of the things that are done in training to be a good javelin thrower.

Mark and I are still confident about making the World Champs - especially since before this injury I was in the best shape of my life. I Although we will definitely not take any risks, and we will re-evaluete where we are at one step at a time., I firmly believe that I can still have a successful 2009 season (even if it is the latter end!) and I have made a commitment to my goals, and will do everything within my power to reach them! will not give up on my goals until I know they are not humanly possible.

Please send lots of healing vibes and keep your fingers (and toes crossed!).
I will keep you posted.

Today, my first step is a gentle walk after a very tiring three hour exam this morning followed by! And then some regular mental rehearsal for the next six weeks
Enjoy the sun!
Goldie x

Posted on 01 Jun 2009 by Goldie Sayers

It wasn't the start i was hoping for yesterday. Shocking weather and a throw that wasn't much better (59.77m)! I was using the comp as a training session but was still expecting a lot more. I have three weeks until i start my season proper so i have time to improve!

Posted on 18 May 2009 by Goldie Sayers

Whilst in italy i experienced a rather bizarre interruption to a throwing session when a helicopter landed in the middle of the infield! Watching a helicopter land is quite spectacular, the only problem was that it blew away my marker from a previous that i was about to measure....it was a pretty decent distance!

The infield at Formia is used by flying doctors taking accident and emergency patients to and from a local hospital. Whilst they were waiting for the patient to be brought to them by ambulance, the paramedics and i hunted for my mark under the helicopter. We had no joy in finding it but it was quite an experience!

Posted on 15 May 2009 by Goldie Sayers

I am currently on a training in Italy enjoying some good weather and great coffee

I am looking forward to my first competition of the year in Loughborough next weekend!

Below is a blog i wrote for UKA's website recently:




It is amazing how quickly this year has gone. The season is upon us and Beijing is now only a memory.
My winter has been steady with all the relevant work completed. I was emotionally much more drained following the Olympics than previous seasons so getting back into conditioning work was admittedly a little tougher than normal. However, a period of re-focus allowed me to feel refreshed and inspired to put the work in for the 2009 season. I am pleased with my progress this winter and the momentum is building for another exciting year.
I travel to Formia in Italy this week for the UKA warm weather training camp, which will be a good opportunity to do some high intensity sessions in the warm as well as some competition prep. I plan to have at least one ‘competition style’ training session where I will do a comp warm-up and then 4-6 maximal throws. I will get the measuring tape out and compare where I’m at with previous years! I also have some study to do whilst I’m there. I am currently doing a Chartered Institute of Marketing Professional Diploma and have an exam in June. I like to keep my brain active as I think the break from training helps. The first flurry of competition results from around the world will come through whilst we are away. I turned down a grand prix meeting in Doha to go to Italy as it is a long way to go for six throws - I would rather get some good quality training in the bag instead. Maybe I will do my competition session on the same day and see where I would have placed when the results come in!
I plan to compete for my old University (Loughborough) at the International meeting when I get back from Formia on the 17th of May. I will use this as a proper gauge of how my timing and technique are under competition conditions. Loughborough is a great place to throw as there is generally always a tail wind – great for javelin but not for 400m!
The World Championships in Berlin are sure to be amazing for javelin as Germany has a very strong history and passion for throwing events. In fact, the only medal won in Beijing by the Germans was in the women’s javelin. Christina Obergfoll snatched the bronze medal in the Bird’s nest by a mere 38cm, putting me into 4th place. I am looking forward to the opportunity to challenge Obergfoll again! Steffi Nerius, another German javelin thrower who has had a superb career, is retiring after this year. The atmosphere in the stadium should be great, I can’t wait!

Posted on 10 May 2009 by Goldie Sayers

After a good break for a week in mid march, i felt totally refreshed to start my second cycle of training. I have done 4 weeks of conditioning type work with lots of weights, jumping and a high volume of throwing (60 throws per session). We have also introduced the heavier 700g javelin into throwing sessions.

The advent of spring has meant longer days and more light to train in. There has even been the odd sunny day!! Having to organise training around snow showers was quite tricky earlier in the year. I have even managed to get out in the garden and plant a few tomato seeds and start my herb garden.

I have also started studying this month for exams in june for my professional diploma in marketing. I find doing academic study is a good break from training and helps me keep my brain going whilst being a professional athlete. It is also an insight into the world of people with 'proper' jobs ;-)!

Last week UKA held a photoshoot for the soon-to-be previewed GB kit for this year. I think it is a much better design and should look good this summer in Berlin.

I have done a little bit of coaching this month too as a group of guys and girls came down to Cambridge from Cheltenham AC to do a throwing session. A big thank you for all the cards.

Posted on 16 Apr 2009 by Goldie Sayers

Whilst letting my elbow settle i had an enjoyable week.

Thursday involved a fun day doing a photoshoot for Adidas for their new competition range and some of their new apparel technology. We also had to film our own 'Impossible is Nothing' story to be used on some Adidas roadshows touring the country this summer.

Along side some fellow athletes like Jess Ennis and Chrissy O, it was nice to rub shoulders with some other sports people such as Frank Lampard and Danny Cipriani.

I also had an enjoyable evening last night at the Cambridge University Athletics Club dinner where i was the after-dinner speaker. The evening was a great success apart from the odd technological error! (my fault!)

Now i am going to enjoy a well earned week off

Posted on 08 Mar 2009 by Goldie Sayers

Unfortunately I have had to withdraw from the European Winter Throws Cup in Tenerife on the 15th of March. I have only just recovered from a slight elbow injury, so have not had the preparation I need off a full run up to do myself justice.

I will take a week off and then start my preparation for the upcoming summer season.

Posted on 04 Mar 2009 by Goldie Sayers

February has so far been a very interesting month. Having been training in South Africa in 30 degree heat, we arrived home to a week of snow. Rain and wind are both fine for training (although a little irritating!), but a thick layer of snow over the track is not condusive to throwing so a few sessions had to be modified. Quite irritating if you are as anal as me!

I have recently been told off (by my uncle) for not updating my blog regularly enough, so i promise to do better! I quote....'if you don't update your blog even once a week then people will think you're a right boring *****. Never one to beat around the bush! But point taken!

Having spent january eating, sleeping and drinking training and javelin throwing, it has been nice to be back catching up with friend's and family. I have recently joined in the celebrations of a few significant birthdays. My Aunty is about to turn 50 and Mr Steve Backley celebrated his 40th in london on the 12th. How time flies!

I also recently attended the launch of the new women's range of Adidas clothing for Spring and Summer. I also had a sneaky peak at this season's new Adidas competition kit. It is very yellow! All i can say is that if you lose your high visibility jacket, then pop in to an Adidas shop and you will definitely find a replacement! We are definitely going to stand out and possibly may need a tan. It was a fun evening to attend and great to catch up with a few other athletes. It was great to see my Beijing roomie Liz (Yelling) looking radiant as a Mum to be. I have attached a photo of a few of the athletes in attendance. The new yellow colour is what i have on.

Training has moved into more explosive sharpening work ready for the European Winter Throws in Tenerife on the 15th March. I have recently been up to Loughborough to see my physio Rone for an MOT and do some testing with Mark. I did a few PBs in the gym which was very pleasing (95kg bench and 85.6kg pullover - very exact as the EZ bar was a funny weight!). I threw pretty well too off a full runup for the first time this year too.

I am looking forward to Tenerife and feeling sharp and competitive after the long winter slog!

Posted on 24 Feb 2009 by Goldie Sayers

Firstly, welcome to the website and Happy New Year to you all! I hope you enjoy the site. I will try and update my blog regularly.

2008 was quite a successful year for me. 4th at the Olympics was a result to be proud of although i was disappointed to not finish in the medals, especially when I was only 38cm away!

2009 is another big year with the World Championships in Berlin. It is sure to be a great atmosphere as the women’s javelin is one of Germany’s strongest events. I definitely aim to go one better than in Beijing!

I started back training in October and every aspect of my training is on course. I am currently in Potchefstroom in South Africa with many of the GB team taking advantage of the 30 plus degree heat. It is great to be away to focus solely on training, eating and sleeping alongside others with the same goals. There are also many other world class javelin throwers here – Andreas Thorkildsen, Tero Pitkamaki, Stuart Farqhuar and Christina Obergfoll. It has good to throw alongside them all and chat about training etc. I am currently in a strength block so it is nice to be stiff in the warm!
I am planning to compete at the European Winter Throws in Tenerife in March. It is always a good gage of how training has gone and helps me to get used to throwing off a full runup before the summer season.

I will keep you posted on how the training is progressing.

Posted on 20 Jan 2009 by Goldie Sayers

Welcome to the official website of javelin thrower, Goldie Sayers. Over the next few weeks there will be more photographs added to the gallery, and blog entries from Goldie.

Please check back for the latest news and results. Enjoy!

Posted on 09 Jan 2009 by Starboard Media UK