IAAF expresses sympathy for javelin victim
Athletics governing body the IAAF on Tuesday expressed sympathy towards the family of an official who died after being struck by a javelin during a youth meet in the German city of Duesseldorf.
Dieter Strack, 74, went to measure a throw but was speared through the throat as the javelin landed, and died in hospital on Monday.
"We feel very sad and we express our deepest sympathy for the family of the official, who, because of an unfortunate but obvious human error (according to witnesses at the scene) lost his life while offering his services to his favourite sport," said the IAAF in a message sent to AFP.
A group of seven spectators in the 800-strong crowd who witnessed the accident were given counselling at the scene as police evacuated the stadium.
After the accident, the meet in the western city of Duesseldorf was immediately cancelled.
The local Rheinische Post newspaper reported that the 15-year-old competitor who threw the javelin was also being treated for shock.
Despite the tragedy, the IAAF told AFP that they had no plans to review their safety advice regarding javelin competitions.
In its regulations, the IAAF says that "officials must always bear in mind the dangers inherent in the sport. They must be alert at all times and cannot let themselves be distracted."
