Italian Long Jump star Andrew Howe remains
hopeful of a timely recovery to defend his title in
Torino.
In a major blow to the host, reigning European Champion and
title holder from 2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Long Jump star Andrew Howe's untimely thigh
injury might jeopardize his title-defence when the premier event starts in the
Italian town of Torino
from March 6-8.
The biggest Italian field star and a strong medal prospect
for the hosts of the 30th edition of European Athletics Indoor
Championships suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh last Sunday while
competing at the Russian Winter meet in Moscow.
The Italian star appeared in great shape en route winning his season debut
event with a jump of 8.02.
Although so far nothing conclusive has come out about the
nature of injury that was contracted ‘mid-air' but experts fear that the 23-year-old
will need at least 20 days of rest to treat a muscular lesion in his right
thigh.
"I have no tears to cry. I am very disappointed. It seems
almost impossible to be fit for Torino. I
don't know what I can do," Howe was quoted by Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Howe's mother and coach Renee' Felton however remains upbeat
about his chances for a recovery in time for Torino.
"We are leaving no stones unturned in making sure that Andrew
is fit in time for Torino. Our doctor's have
figured out the problem and are hopeful of a quick recovery," Felton told European
Athletics.
"The good thing is that he is in a great physical shape and
has high spirits. If things turn out well, I am confident he will be there to
defend his title in Torino," she added.
Howe is the son of a German soccer player father and a
standout hurdler mother, but has lived since the age of five in Italy, the
native country of his mother's second husband.
Howe competed for Italy
four years ago in Athens.
His biggest breakthrough came at the 2007 World Championships, where he nabbed
the silver in the long jump. Howe however failed to qualify for the Long Jump
finals in Beijing.
