Tokyo 2020 was not the improvement on a fantastic showing at the 2019 World Championships that Tim Nedow may have envisioned a few months ago when he qualified for the Games. On a warm night in the Japanese capital, Nedow could only muster a best of 19.42 metres, well short of his seasonal best of 21.13, and did not advance to Thursday’s final.
“Toughest competition since I came out of college,” said the two-time Commonwealth Games medalist of Tuesday night’s qualifying round. “I probably haven’t gone under 20 meters in the last four years.”
Throughout the competition Nedow appeared to struggle through the middle of the circle, where he would typically generate the bulk of the power necessary to push the 16 pound steel ball out to the automatic qualifying standard of 21.20 metres.”I’ve kind of just been dealing with something in the technical aspect with this kind of leg that’s been bothering me. So unfortunately it was really tough to get down and once I couldn’t get it down, like my throw is pretty much over.”
With the World Championships in Oregon next summer Nedow appeared uncertain what his next step will be. “This is my second Olympics. I’m 30 years old, so there’s definitely something to think about in like another career path here. But I definitely would like to continue. There’s a strong group of guys right now I’d like to compete against still, but yeah, we’ll see where it goes.”
The Lions return to Olympic action Thursday morning as Lauren Gale gets set to compete in the heats of the 4×400 metre relay. For start times and how to follow along, check out our Olympic Hub.
For information on Team Canada, visit Athletics Canada’s Olympic Hub.