Kiwi shot putter Jacko Gill admits he's paying the price of a career of epic training videos that have left him limping from one meet to another in his prime.
As a teenager, Gill was the world's most promising thrower, smashing records and claiming world age group titles along the way. At just 16, he broke the NZ senior record and became the youngest ever to exceed 20 metres with the 7.26kg implement.
His impressive YouTube highlight reels went viral, as he demonstrated his explosive qualities with a variety of sometimes bizarre feats - but that pounding seems to have come at a cost.
Now 30, he concedes he's had to cut his training regime to cater to an ankle injury that hampered him at last year's Paris Olympics and since.
"It was very tough around Olympics, so I've only been able to throw once a week since September," said Gill. "That's been a big change, focusing on the gym side of things, which has been a real big help.
"I used to do a lot of plyometrics - jumps and hurdles - but I just can't anymore, my ankle just gives way. Heaps more swimming.
"I have to be a lot more careful now with my training. We think about everything before we do it, it's not just going out and being crazy.
Jacko Gill in action at the Douglas International. Photo: Credit: Athletics NZ
"I'm finding a way to still do it, because I still love it."
Gill has converted that new routine, reminiscent of a Rocky Balboa comeback move, into a season-opening victory over archrival Tom Walsh, throwing 21.85m at the Sir Graeme Douglas International Meet in Auckland, despite competing through a heavy training phase.
Despite his compromises, he produced a very consistent series, with four efforts over 21 metres and a fifth that would have edged Walsh's best of 20.86m. His winning distance was also the best in the world so far this calendar year.
"I think it will help me improve," said Gill, who boasts a personal best of 22.12m. "I don't think I've reached my peak, I think I've got more to go.
"I'm just being smarter within those comfort zones. If you had told me last year I could only be throwing once a week, but throwing 21.85, I'd be over the moon.
"I think it's working."
Jacko Gill wins the shot put at Douglas International. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.photosport.nz
The Commonwealth Games silver medallist and Olympic finalist will attempt to add a third consecutive national crown next month, before heading to the world indoor championships at Nanjing, China.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
