MILAN, July 18: Italian officials said on Tuesday that javelin throwing would be kept away from the track during the Masters Athletics World Championships in September, which will include competitors up to 90 years old.

French long jumper Salim Sdiri was speared by a flying javelin during the Golden League meeting in Rome on Friday after Finnish thrower Tero Pitkamaki slipped at the end of his run-up.

Sdiri’s injuries are not life-threatening and doctors do not believe he needs surgery but authorities in Riccione on Italy’s east coast are taking no chances with the Sept 4-15 meeting which is for athletes over 35, including several senior citizens, said Daniele Imola, President of the organising committee.—Reuters