ST. MARYS, Pa. (EYT/D9) — Something wasn’t right.
After his first throw in the Group A qualifying round in the men’s javelin in the Tokyo Olympics Wednesday morning in Japan, Johnsonburg High School graduate Michael Shuey felt a pop in his right knee.
And his dream of making it to the finals was over.
He tried to battle though, but faulted on his following throws to post no distance in the event.
Shuey, 27, took to Facebook to thanks his fans.
“Hey everyone thank you so much for your support. I’m sorry to make you wait another 3 years for the next Olympics,” Shuey wrote “Unfortunately I tore something in my right knee on the first throw. Tried to continue but my body didn’t hold up. It’s a tricky sport, but it will be a good turning point going into the world championship year. I have already qualified for worlds so we get this knee fixed and come back better.
“Love you all and I look forward to seeing you all when I come home. It won’t be the last olympics so don’t feel to bad!”
In July, Shuey finished second in the javelin at the Olympic trials in Eugene, Ore., and is ranked No. 20 in the world.
The Johnsonburg native and Penn State University graduate won the Big Ten championship twice.
At Johnsonburg, Shuey won the PIAA Class 2A javelin title.
