Scott Martin may miss worlds

The shot put and discus star is regaining fitness after a pectoral muscle tear forced him to withdraw from the Australian team before it was due to fly out for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Martin was considered a strong medal chance in India but is now starting to turn his attention to his biggest goal, an Olympic gold medal.

His coach Gus Puopolo said the 28-year-old was considering skipping next year’s world championships in Daegu, Korea, from August 27 to September 4, to be in shape for an assault on Olympic gold.

“We might give the world championships a miss,” Puopolo said.

“We want to have a big crack at the Olympic Games. We need to give the body time to rest.”

After withdrawing from Delhi, Martin even considered taking 12 months off in order to be ready for London.

The Wodonga star, who is back on a modified training program, revealed yesterday he would not throw again until next year.

“The pec is still a bit sore when I do some weights,” Martin said.

“I think it’s time to sit back and invest a bit of time into my body. Three or four years ago I wanted to do every meet I could. As I get a bit older the big competitions are the ones I want to do. My body is not as durable as others.”

Puopolo said a proper assessment of Martin’s future would be made over the next couple of months.

“I still think he’s got the potential to throw a long way,” he said.

“We’ll assess after Christmas in relation to the world championships. The past three winters he has been competing on the circuit and needs a rest.”

Martin said a decision on the championships could be made as late as two months out from the competition.

He will bypass the Australian summer circuit, with his attention on his wedding in December to fiancee Seona Rough in Rutherglen.

Martin won discus gold and shot put bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.