Jake Norris sees the World Athletics Championships as the perfect opportunity to conquer his demons and showcase his abilities on the global stage.
The 26-year-old hammer athlete controversially missed out on Team GB selection for Paris 2024 – by just 13cm – due to additional requirements UK Athletics had imposed despite qualifying for the Games due to his world ranking.
The Ascot-native was one of seven athletes across six events to miss out due to the UKA policy but, as it turned out, Norris’ 2024 personal best throw of 77.37 would have seen him qualify for the 12-man final in Paris.
Norris is looking ahead and excited about making his World Championships debut in Tokyo and, despite having won a third-consecutive British outdoor title in August, he is hoping to find some form and rhythm he feels he has lacked so far this term.
“I’m a little bit in the middle, I’m not that pleased with how my season has gone,” said Norris, who trains at Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow Athletics Club.
“[The season is] still on the positive side overall, but it’s not what I thought I’d have been able to do. It’s the first year I haven’t been better in competitions than I have in training, which is getting to me. It’s been a struggle.
“We haven’t really figured out the reason, but It’s definitely got to do something with nerves and how I’m approaching competition because realistically, that’s the only difference between training and competition.
“It’s not like I have butterflies in my stomach or anything, I do still feel quite relaxed in competitions when I go, but I feel almost like a slightly different athlete.”
Norris explained this year has been on that has featured “a lot of firsts” which has included working with new personnel and implementing changes to his routine.
But with the hammer qualifiers scheduled for 15th September in the Japanese capital, the 2018 World U20 champion feels he is beginning to hit his stride.
“With all of the changes [that have been made], we’ve started nailing things a bit,” he said at a Novuna-backed British camp – with the company financing the ambitions of millions across the UK, from helping business grow and individuals plan for the future, to backing British Athletics on the global stage.
“Especially in the last three or four competitions. They’ve gone much better in how I’ve approached them and how I’ve felt throughout the competitions.
“So, hopefully, it all comes together in Tokyo, that’s the aim.
“If it all does come together, I should do quite well and should come away happy with what I do. I’m not in my own head about it, not am I expecting myself to do anything crazy special. But I’m in a pretty good place and I’m excited.”
Norris still harbours strong ambitions of becoming an Olympian with the next Games taking place in Los Angeles in 2028.
With elite hammer throwers typically hitting their prime in their 30s, Norris is targeting not just the showpiece on America’s west coast, but also the Games in Brisbane too.
“It’s something to work towards, we’ve planned for LA and even through to Brisbane too,” he added.
“I still obviously enjoy the sport and that is mainly what keeps me going. But if you already think you’ve reached your peak, it’s hard to put the work in. I’ve got my cards, and I know I’ve got more to give.”
By Phil Campbell
