Thiam's ticking on for KJT after Rome withdrawal

KATARINA JOHNSON-THOMPSON’S withdrawal three events into the heptathlon because of a niggle in her right leg was immediately described as precautionary.

- Alan Smith

But as she watched arch-rival Nafi Thiam show few signs of rust in her first competition of any kind for 11 months, the world champion’s confidence must have taken a significant knock.

KJT arrived in Rome saying she felt healthy and more motivated than ever.

She also stressed this weekend was above all about the performance with an eye already trained on the Olympics.

“The heptathlon is like spinning plates,” she said. “You have to try and put them together.”