Walsh has score to settle with Jamaican rival

GOLD COAST: Less is definitely more when it comes to Tom Walsh’s advanced philosophy of shot putting.

Walsh will line up an overwhelming favourite in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games shot put final less than two weeks after throwing a personal best 22.67m.

He holds five of the top six throws in the world this year and sits equal sixth on the alltime list, with the vast majority of the top 10 performances from 1990 or earlier.

The current indoor and outdoor world champion is constantly honing his technique in the circle but says it is an improvement in his mental approach that is really making a difference.

‘‘It’s about letting it happen and not forcing it, because I know when I push it and try to throw far, it doesn’t work,’’ Walsh said.

‘‘It’s about just letting it go and letting that shot fly.’’

The 26yearold Christchurch builder said finding that elusive state of concentration was a constant battle.

‘‘It’s a lot easier said than done,’’ he told NZ Newswire.

‘‘You’ve got to catch yourself pushing — realise it, then be able to not push. I’m knocking on the door to be really free on all my throws at the moment and that’s where I need to be.’’

There seems no doubt Walsh will cruise through tomorrow qualifying into the final on Monday but he is not taking anything for granted.

Finishing second behind Jamaica’s O’Dayne Richards at the 2014 Glasgow Games has left him with the motivation to get things right at Carrara Stadium.

‘‘I know I need to take care of business. I got second last Commonwealth Games and I threw really well there — I just got beaten on the day.’’

Walsh said Richards, who has a best of 21.96m, had the ability to produce a big throw out of nowhere and was a dangerous opponent.

‘‘I can’t be complacent, especially around O’Dayne.

‘‘I know I need to go in there and control the comp from throw one, throw big and not let my foot off the pedal.

‘‘It’s not a done deal, that’s for sure.’’ — AAP

❛ It’s about letting it happen and not forcing it, because I know when I push it and try to throw far, it doesn’t

work