Olympics 2012: Shot Put Star Om Prakash books London Berth

Om Prakash: Aiming High in the London Olympic

India’s Shot put star Om Prakash on Thursday book his berth for the 2012 London Olympics after winning Gold in the IAAF meet at Szombathely, Hungary. He recorded his personal best throw of 20.04 meters to clinch the Olympic berth and also qualified for the World Championships in Daegu, Korea which begins on 27 August, 2011.

Om Prakash, who is aiming to reach the final in Korea is confident of a good show which will help him gain a mental edge over others in the Olympics. He said “I am really looking forward now for world championships where I am hoping to be at least in the final.”

Aiming for a podium finish in the London Olympics, the 24-year-old athlete from Gurgaon thanked all the organizations which are helping him to realize his dreams of an Olympic medal.

“I am sure that with continued help from Olympics Gold Quest, AFI, SAI, ONGC as well as Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, I will make it to the podium at London Olympics.”

Improving on his personal best throw of 20.02m in the event, the 6 ft 7 in tall athlete once recorded a throw of 20.50m which was not taken into account because of being a faulty throw. He however continuously throws 20m plus in practices.

Om Prakash has to improve his throw and touch the 22 meters mark, as 22 meters is the best annual performance of top athletes since 1998.