The first in a new series of European Athletics High Performance Webinars is now live on the E-Learning platform, launching with an in-depth exploration of one of track and field’s most technically demanding events – the javelin throw.
Each webinar in this ongoing series delves into key themes within high-performance athletics, combining theory and practice to give coaches, athletes, and sport scientists valuable insights from leading experts in the field.
This opening javelin-focused session is divided into three distinct yet complementary parts — each presented by a renowned specialist with deep expertise in their discipline.
Part 1: The Shoulder in Javelin Throwing – Biomechanics and Performance with Dr Hans-Peter Köhler, Leipzig University (GER)
A former javelin thrower turned sport scientist, Dr Hans-Peter Köhler brings both technical and academic authority to the event. A post-doctoral researcher at Leipzig University’s Department of Biomechanics in Sports, he earned his PhD for his pioneering work on energy flow and performance enhancement in men’s javelin throwing.
In this session, he analyses the shoulder as a key biomechanical component of the javelin throw — examining how forces, torques, and energy transfer affect acceleration and release velocity. Köhler also highlights how technical optimisation can reduce injury risk and how different implements can help athletes adapt to the demands of high-speed throwing.
Part 2: Coaching the Masters – A Conversation with Terseus Liebenberg
Few coaches have shaped world-class javelin talent quite like South African Terseus Liebenberg.
Over three decades, his relentless work ethic and coaching mastery have produced a steady stream of champions — including World champion Marius Corbett (pictured), Olympic silver medallist Sunette Viljoen, and a new generation of South African throwers such as Jo-Ané van Dyk, Waldo Smit, and Johann Grobler.
Voted top coach of the era by the South African Athletics Statisticians (SAAS), Liebenberg’s reputation is built on transforming talent into excellence. In this Q&A, he shares his insights into what it takes to build champions, the evolving nature of javelin coaching, and why — in his own words — success ultimately comes down to “sweat, sweat and more sweat.”
Part 3: Key Training and Competition Aspects of the Javelin Throw with Mikaela Ingberg
A four-time Olympian and triple major championship medallist, Mikaela Ingberg was one of Europe’s most consistent and respected javelin throwers.
Her illustrious career included World and European Athletics Championship bronze medals, and her post-competition roles have ranged from Chair of the European Athletics Athletes’ Commission to leadership positions in sports organisations and infrastructure development.
In this presentation, Ingberg blends her athlete and mentor perspectives to discuss effective training strategies and technical drills for young and developing throwers. Drawing from her own experiences at the elite level, she reflects on how to balance training intensity, competition readiness, and long-term athlete development.
Learn, Watch, and Be Inspired
This webinar marks just the beginning of European Athletics’ expanded High Performance Webinar Series, offering valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of elite-level preparation.
Register now via the European Athletics E-Learning platform to watch the full javelin session and stay updated on upcoming webinars across other disciplines.