Aussie javelin thrower Kim Mickle injures shoulder at Rio Games

KIM Mickle’s calculated risk of rushing back from a shoulder reconstruction has backfired horribly.

Australia's Kim Mickle makes an attempt in the women's javelin.

KIM Mickle’s calculated risk of rushing back from a shoulder reconstruction has backfired horribly.

Australia’s javelin champion grimaced with pain after her third throw in the competition and instantly grabbed her right shoulder.

Mickle was in extreme pain and immediately left the track seeking urgent attention from Australian medical staff.

The 31-year-old took to Instagram in the hours after suffering the injury revealing her shoulder was left dislocated for two hours, but she had “no regrets”.

Australian head coach Craig Hilliard said Mickle had been given the green light to compete after meeting physical requirements.

“It’s unfortunate Kim did everything with her rehabilitation, she had MRI checks before she came away,” he said.

“She met all her fitness standards before she left, threw well in Florida but once you have surgery on a shoulder it doesn’t matter what sport you are in the propensity for re-injuring is always high.

“She knew the risk but it is horrible for her.

“Everything had been ticked off … we wouldn’t have been taking risks given what occurred to her last year.”

Kim Mickle of Australia is assisted by medical staff after being injured during the Women's Javelin Throw

The world championships silver medallist was always in a race against time to be ready for Rio after having a shoulder reconstruction last year.

She hadn’t competed in the lead-up to the Games but despite only being 11 months post operation she had been confident the shoulder would stand up.

Mickle threw 57.20m with her opening throw, fouled the next before suffering the injury as she tried to find extra with her third throw to stay in the competition.

Following the incident, social media went into meltdown about how long it took for medical staff to tend to Mickle.

UPDATE: Dislocated shoulder for javelin thrower Kim Mickle, who is now receiving further medical attention. Stay strong Kim, brave effort.

— Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) August 17, 2016

Not a great look when Kim Mickle dislocates her shoulder and none of the officials get off their arse to help or call for help. JFC.

— Adrian Polykandrites (@NABFW) August 17, 2016

Head aths coach Craig Hilliard confirms Mickle suffered dislocated shoulder - same one operated on but denies she was not ready for #rio2016

— Lee Jeloscek (@jeloscek) August 17, 2016

Feeling for @kimmickle .. What a warrior..
Come on @Olympics Medical staff have to be quicker.. Very poor

— Kieran Ian Govers (@Wizza27) August 17, 2016

Any danger of someone in the stadium helping poor Kim Mickle? Officials more concerned keeping her off hurdles track. #rio2016 @kimmickle

— Scott Gumbleton (@scottgumbleton) August 17, 2016

Kim Mickle of Australia is assisted by medical staff after being injured during the Women's Javelin

Originally published as Aussie javelin thrower Kim Mickle injures shoulder at Rio Games