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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Llewellyn

Fans in hysterics at heptathlete’s bizarre javelin run-up at World Championships

During the women's javelin in the heptathlon competition at the World Athletics Championships, fans spotted an interesting technique from one of the competitors. Poland’s Adrianna Sulek sported a unique method of throwing the javelin. Sulek can be seen twirling her left arm and jumping up and down as she gets ready to throw.

Her arm was still twirling akin to a conductor in front of an orchestra as she began her run-up before releasing the javelin. Despite her unconventional methods, Sulek finished fourth overall in the heptathlon, narrowly missing out on a medal to the USA’s Anna Hall.

The clip has gone viral on social media as fans shared their thoughts on the bizarre technique. Twitter user @RobMeech said: “Perhaps she conducts an orchestra in her spare time?” @BrexitHostage added: “I thought it was the new discipline of artistic javelin…”

“We absolutely p****d ourselves laughing at this, several of them did it, but she was the best by far,” @AlisonLacey3 chuckled. Follower @starrock77 added: “When you’re in the javelin at twelve but have an important fencing qualifier at 1.”

Sulek went on to finish fourth in the Heptathlon with 6672 points – a mark which would have been more than enough for a medal at any of the past 17 editions of the World Championships. Nafissatou Thiam regained the world title despite competing in just her first combined events competition of the year.

Anouk Vetter pushed her all the way but had to settle for the silver medal, while rising star Hall took the bronze medal. Katarina Johnson-Thompson finished eighth after she was unable to defend her heptathlon crown.

Heptathlete Adrianna-Sulek sported a unique method for throwing the javelin at the World Athletics Championships (BBC)

After an injury-hit 18 months and a late change of coach, Johnson-Thompson was not expected to retain the title she won with a British record in Doha three years ago. KJT said: "I love the sport. Last year set me back, life isn't fair and I was questioning that.

“After the championships I wanted to take time away from the sport, I don't want to do this, how can it be fair an Achilles can just rupture?

"This time I actually feel I've got my hunger back. I've been away from the championships but it's like I want to put in the work and get back to where I was. As soon as I finished I took in the moment, it's a different mentality. It'll be motivation for me through the winter."

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