The blows of fate are multiplying on French athletics. After the injury on Tuesday during the warm-up of Renaud Lavillenie, Kevin Mayer presented himself very reduced for the first events of the decathlon. A back injury that does not allow the Olympic vice-champion of Rio to aim for gold for the moment, 304 points behind Damian Warner, at the head of the competition. The Frenchman was in tears at the microphone of France TV: “The meeting of my life is totally ruined. They are not tears of abandonment, nor of sadness. It's frustration because I can't express myself. I give everything but I take no pleasure. "
🗣️ “I got my back blocked when I arrived in Japan. I'm not enjoying it”
🇫🇷 Kévin Mayer's distress following his 4th place overall in the decathlon after three stages.
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The tricolor athlete detailed the reasons for his injury.
This back pain is preventing him from playing for the win at the moment.
“I blocked my back when I arrived in Japan, it has been 3 years since this happened to me.
It is an injury that cannot be predicted.
I can continue to do athletics but I am in pain.
I have lightning in the lower back.
The worst was the weight, ”explains the world record holder in the decathlon.
With a throw of 15.07m, Mayer is almost a meter from his personal best.
"I have the right legs"
A blocked back at the origin of great frustrations for the tricolor who can not express his true potential: “That does not prevent me from doing everything. As long as I could walk, I could run. But it's so frustrating. If you only knew how I feel the weight so light. I am not here for the money or for a medal. I am first here to have fun. There are a lot of people around me who allowed me to do this decathlon and if I hold on, it's thanks to them. "
An immense frustration for the world champion of the discipline in 2017 who nevertheless feels capable of getting Damian Warner, in very good shape since the start of the event. “I have been training for years. One thing I can promise is to give all I can. I know my potential, I have the right legs. The next major event for Kevin Mayer with the high jump scheduled for 11:30 am.