Sophie Hitchon is estimated to have done one and a half million throws during training ahead of today’s hammer throw final in Brazil.
The former Loughborough College student yesterday qualified with a throw of 70.37m and said afterwards: “I made it quite difficult for myself.
“I was quite nervous there at the end which is not where I wanted to be. But you know I made it through and now I can focus on the final.
“My warm up throws were really, really good, but you know what, those don’t count.
“It’s right there – I’m in shape – so in the final it’ll be better.
“I’m feeling really good – I’m in a lot better shape than I was [at London 2012) and hopefully I can just go and prove it!”
Sophie set a new Under-17 Women's national record in 2007, won European Under-23 gold in 2013 and took a bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games two years ago.