The only man to throw a javelin over 100 metres (104.80 m), Uwe Hohn, and his partner and 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in javelin, Kathryn Mitchell have chosen Potchefstroom as their training base.

This special relationship started in 2010 and, since then, the pair has successfully mixed personal and professional factors to great effect with golden success.
It is no wonder, as Hohn is one of the most respected javelin throwers and coaches in the industry, while Mitchell, with a best throw of 68.92, is one of Australia’s best exports in the javelin field, ranked 7th on the all-time list.

‘Before I met Uwe, I wasn’t really improving and he has truly helped me develop tremendously in the sport. My breakthrough came in the year 2012 when I threw 60 metres for the first time and qualified for the Olympic Final in London in 2012,’ she said.

‘Uwe came to Australia in 2010 as a javelin coach and then, shortly after meeting him, we got together and have been in a relationship ever since. There are difficult times, especially being away from each other for long periods. Sometimes, I need to train alone with Uwe being busy as an athletics coach in India and China, but we make it work and appreciate the time we spend together,’ she added.

Hohn is one of Germany’s most respected former athletes and current coaches and he still has a love for javelin that he now wants to give back to the next generation of athletes.
‘I love javelin and my target as a thrower was also to throw over a 100 metres. It was a special moment for me,’ said Hohn whose record now stands for eternity, after a new javelin design was implemented in 1986 and the records had to start afresh.

On a technical level, Hohn adds that one of the most critical aspects of javelin throwing is based on the technique and knowing when to use strength and power to your advantage.

‘One of the aspects we worked on the most with Kathryn, was getting her relaxed for competitions to do her very best. The power she puts in was always enough but we needed to improve her technique and make her relax to put in her best on the day of competition.’

This is Mitchell’s first time in Potchefstroom, while Hohn has visited four or five times before, having known the local javelin coach and NWU athletics manager, Terseus Liebenberg.

‘Terseus is a great person and friend for whom I have a lot of respect. He is always friendly and makes us feel at home. It is great to be back in South Africa,’ added Hohn who is also the coach of the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in men’s javelin, Neeraj Chopra of India.

‘It’s the best training camp and venue, especially for javelin throwers. The food and facilities are fantastic and it has everything you need for a solid high-level training camp. I’m really excited for the camp,’ said Mitchell, who will be training in Potch until the end of February.

‘The main goal is for me to improve for the upcoming World Championships and the athletics season ahead, in the build-up to the Olympics next year.