Shi says Tokyo delay could work in his favor

Chinese long jumper Shi Yuhao believes the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics could work to his benefit.

The 21-year-old has been struggling to rediscover his best form since returning from injury at the start of the year.

The Tokyo Games have been delayed until next summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Shi said: "It could be a good thing for me because I need more time to adjust. Now I need to focus on my new skills."

Shi was badly injured in 2018's Shanghai Diamond League event. He underwent surgeries on his left foot and spent more than six months in rehabilitation.

Since then, he has been attempting to switch his take-off to his right leg.

"I am still not used to it. After all, I had been taking off with my left leg for a decade," he said.

"My running speed is at 90 percent of my previous best but the level of jumping-related indexes is not good enough. I hope I can return to competition as soon as possible."

Shi, who burst onto the scene by winning the 2018 Asian indoor title, is aiming high in Tokyo. He recently posted a video clip of himself on social media accompanied by the message: "Hopefully I will sing the song of victory in Tokyo."

Xinhua - Agencies