Olympic javelin champion Spotakova splits with coach

Prague, Nov 14:Two-time Olympic women's javelin throw champion Barbora Spotakova of Czech Republic and her coach Jan Zelezny have agreed to end their four-year partnership over their differing views on the athlete's training combined with her duties as a mother.

The 33-year-old Spotakova, who has a one-year-old son, Thursday said she will be preparing for competition by herself. She added she will see what the result will be and then she will decide what to do with her training in the Olympic season, reports Xinhua.

Spotakova won the best Czech Athlete of the Year poll for the seventh time recently and she indicated that she wants her training regime to be less tough next year. She refused to train in South Africa for six weeks, citing her duties as a mother among the reasons.

"I always understand the coach and I respect his opinions. Even at this moment I understand his views on my preparation, but due to the fact that I want to show consideration for my family and child, I can not accept such a style of preparation. In coming season, I want to combine my family life with training," said the world record holder.

Zelezny proposed to end their cooperation as he disagreed with Spotakova's decision.

"I can't guarantee an athletic preparation of which I'm not in full control. We both dream about a success in Rio Games but for the moment we differ on what path leads to the success. I respect her wish to try to prepare herself alone," said Zelezny, a three-time Olympic and world champion.

Spotakova started training under Zelezny since 2010. She won silver at the world championships 2011 and successfully defended her Olympic gold in 2012. She returned after a one-year maternity layoff by winning gold in the European championships 2014.

Spotakova said that her goal is to defend her world and Olympic titles.

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