Hooker Not In Pole Position

Australian Steve Hooker Could Have A Tough Time At The 2012 London Olympics

Four years ago in Beijing, the Australian, Steve Hooker, had the world at his feet, after jumping to Olympic gold glory with a height of 5.96m, the highest in Games history.

In doing so, he become the first Australian man to win Olympic athletics gold in 40 years, and was to go on and win both the outdoor and indoor world titles, as well as the bookies’ favour in the Betfair athletics odds.

Hooker’s personal best of 6.06m, which he achieved indoors in America, three years ago, is second only to the world record of 6.15m set by Ukrainian legend, Sergei Bubka, who himself collected the gold at Seoul in 1988 with a leap of 5.90, six spots lower than Hooker’s magnificent effort in Beijing.

So, where did it all go wrong in such a short space of time? After winning Commonwealth Games gold in Delhi in 2010, the Australian sustained a serious knee injury, and looked a shadow of his former self at Daegu, last year.

Fast forward to the recent London Grand Prix; Hooker failed on all three of his attempts at 5.40 metres to continue a poor run of form since qualifying for the Games in May.

He has not cleared more than 5.42m since, and, equally as worrying, has failed to launch himself on more than one occasion.

That suggests a mental problem as well as a kink in his run-up, and with London 2012 virtually here, the problem needs to be resolved immediately, or the only glory that Hooker will taste is that of being Australia's athletics team captain.

As things stand at present, Hooker has more than half a metre to find on Frenchman, Renaud Lavillenie, who has a best jump of 5.97 this year.

Unless the reigning Olympic Champion can rediscover his old self in time, maybe in Poland, the week before the Games begins, then there will be a new name in the record books.

Not a fan of athletics? Visit the London 2012 boxing odds webpage for more information on Team GB’s pugilists.

Play Now At William Hill Sports