TOKYO, July 7, 2025
Road to Recovery Javelin champ eyes Lausanne return ahead of home World Championships
Kitaguchi Haruka targets Diamond League comeback after elbow inflammation.
- Kitaguchi Haruka aims to return at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 20.
- She is recovering from right elbow inflammation.
- Kitaguchi automatically qualified for the World Athletics Championships.
Kitaguchi Haruka, the Olympic and world women’s javelin champion, is aiming to make her return at the Diamond League in Lausanne on August 20 as she recovers from an elbow injury, with her ultimate goal being the World Athletics Championships.
Eyeing a Comeback
After withdrawing from the Japan Athletics Championships due to right elbow inflammation, Kitaguchi is now focusing on getting back into competition shape. The national championships concluded the night before Kitaguchi spoke, with six athletes securing their spots for the World Championships.
“I’m targeting a return on 20 August in Lausanne,” Kitaguchi said on Monday (7 July) in Tokyo. “Depending on how Lausanne goes, I could be in the final as well – and hopefully that’s the case.”
The World Athletics Championships are scheduled for September 13-21 in Tokyo.
Training Resumes
Kitaguchi is eager to compete before the World Championships, saying, “I definitely want to get a meet in before worlds and that’s what I’m shooting for. I’ve resumed training and want to do camp with my team-mates in Czechia before coming back to Tokyo.”
Lucky Stars
The 27-year-old javelin star acknowledged her good fortune in automatically qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo, thanks to her victory at the previous world championships in Budapest two years ago.
“I made the team two years ago so I’m patting myself on the back for winning in Budapest,” Kitaguchi said. “This will certainly be the first and last worlds at home in my career. I really hope I can win gold for everyone watching.”
Staying Positive
Kitaguchi emphasized her proactive approach to recovery. “After feeling pain in the elbow, I had a check-up as soon as I came home and received treatment right away. Thanks to that, the pain has gone away but the goal here is September. I’m going to sit out all of July to be sure before heading back out.”
Kitaguchi is focusing on other aspects of her training while her elbow heals. “I’m not throwing yet but I’m working on my lower body – which I needed to do anyway apart from the injury – and keeping my heart rate up. I’m just playing it safe for now.”
The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) is expected to announce a second group of athletes for the World Championships after September 1, following World Athletics’ announcement of eligibility requirements.
