By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
Jim Fuqua didn’t let an elbow injury hamper his second place finish last month at the USATF national master’s championships in Spokane, Wash.
Battling through a torn ulnar ligament that will eventually require surgery, Fuqua finished second in the men’s javelin competition.
Fuqua was second behind Michael Janusey of Venetia, Pa. after Janusey had a best of 190 feet, some four feet better than Fuqua.
The second place finish in the USATF national meet ended a string of nine straight meet victories for Fuqua.
There is still almost two months remaining in the masters’ track season, but for Fuqua, the year is over.
Fuqua is currently ranked No. 6 in the world, but he knows that there is still plenty of room for improvement. His next challenge? The United States Senior Olympics next year in San Francisco.
Fuqua’s training can be intense as he tries to develop his core strength to become a better thrower. Athletes competing in the javelin don’t need to be extremely strong for better throws, but they do need to work on the core muscles .
Fuqua trains six days a week with weight training and medicine ball exercises. He also uses his off-day to participate in yoga to stretch his muscles.
The varied strength training exercises help Fuqua build up power that can help him during the throws that can place a lot of torque on his body, especially the elbow.
He also spends hours on reworking and refining his technique that has come with national competition experience.
But for Fuqua, it’s a labor of love.
It has certainly worked wonders for the 55-year-old retired insurance agent.
Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 773-6566 or by email at todd.thompson@hartselleenquirer.com