Newz Forum: OLYMPICS: Backley eyes final chance

Britain's Steve Backley has set his sights on an elusive Olympic gold medal as he prepares to call time on his illustrious athletics career. The 35-year-old javelin thrower has won at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games, but has had to settle for second best at the Olympics.


BBC Sport

"I have a great throw left in me," Backley told The Sunday Times.

"Winning would put a different perspective on my career. The Olympics will be it - an end of an era."

Backley, who has twice held the javelin world record, has taken two silvers and one bronze from his three appearances at the Olympics.

"The last round of the Olympic Games fits in with my career, to say that this is my last chance," he said.

"The Olympics is one stage where I feel I can change my status as an athlete.

"I have been to three Olympics and have three medals.

"But to be able to say, 'Olympic champion' is the one that would change me as an athlete."

Backley, who has a golf handicap of seven, said he plans to become an advisor to players on the European Tour when he retires from athletics.