Thorkildsen follows a rigorous training regime, practising twice daily from Monday to Friday and once on Saturdays. His dedication paid off when he achieved a personal best to win gold at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. This victory remains one of his most memorable sporting achievements.

Injuries and Challenges

In July 2007, Thorkildsen faced a setback with a prolapsed disc in his back. His therapist, Petter Bogsti, assured that while the injury required treatment, it would not disrupt his training programme. Despite this challenge, Thorkildsen continued to excel in his sport.

Awards and Honours

Thorkildsen's talent has been recognised through numerous awards. He was named Norwegian Athlete of the Year from 2004 to 2009. In 2006, he finished third in the European Athlete of the Year poll. Notably, he is the only javelin thrower to hold world, Olympic, and European titles simultaneously.

Family Background

Thorkildsen comes from a family with a rich athletic history. His mother, Bente Amundsen, was Norway's national champion in the 100m hurdles in 1972. His father, Tomm, also competed in javelin, achieving throws over 70 metres.

Personal Life

Thorkildsen had a long relationship with Norwegian hurdler Christina Vukicevic until March 2011. He also made a significant career decision at the end of 2005 by leaving his job at DnB to focus entirely on athletics.

Professional Setbacks

In 2001, Thorkildsen faced a short suspension from the Norwegian Olympic squad due to poor morale. However, he overcame this hurdle and continued to build a successful career in athletics.

Thorkildsen's journey in javelin throwing highlights his dedication and resilience. With numerous accolades and a strong support system, he remains a key figure in the sport.