New Zealand shot putter Tom Walsh has had a disappointing finish to his season in what otherwise has been a triumphant year.
Walsh who won the world championship title in London last month has finished sixth at the Diamond League finals in Belgium.
He threw 21.38 metres, but finished almost a metre behind American Darrell Hill who threw 22.4 metres.... a metre more than his previous best.
Tom Walsh. Photo: Photosport
Olympic champion Ryan Crouser was second.
Walsh says mentally he struggled.
"Really annoyed with myself for not being able to focused and do what I needed to do...today I was just trying too hard and I know when I try to hard it just doesn't work."
"I was trying to throw far rather than just letting it happen and that doesn't work but it does give a kick up the arse (and) does motivate me for next year but I am really disappointed with the way I finished."
Tom Walsh shot put world champion. Photo: Photosport
Reflecting on his season though Walsh knows its "helluva a year for me but I am really looking forward to getting home and just chilling out....put it his way it's good (the latest result) didn't happen at the world champs," he laughs.
Walsh will now return home and take six weeks off altogether from training to concentrate on building his house in Christchurch.
