Andrew Howe: “I want to return to the long jump and leave my mark again in my speciality”

Former European champion Andrew Howe of Italy is confident of getting back on the podium at the 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki this summer.

Italy's 2006 European Athletics Championships long jump gold medallist Andrew Howe believes he can be a medal contender again at this year's big events in Helsinki and London after recovering from surgery on an Achilles tendon in July.

Last year initially looked promising for Howe, who has struggled with injuries in recent years although he finished fifth in the defence of his European title in Barcelona 18 months ago.

He uncorked a 20.31 200m when winning in front of his many domestic fans at the Samsung Diamond League meeting in Rome, a time which eventually was the third fastest by a European in 2011, but he only competed once in the long jump - leaping a modest 7.68m to finish second in the Italian national championships – before getting injured again.

'Let's say that I and the long jump took a short break from each other last year but that is now over. This season I want to return to the long jump and leave my mark again in my speciality. In London, I think I have more possibilities (than in the sprints),” said Howe, speaking to the Italian federation website www.fidal.it.

“My goal is to take part in the long jump at the Olympic Games in London. I'll evaluate my condition with Professor Giuliano Cirulli, who operated on me, to avoid possible risks.

“On 28 January, I will undergo a medical check, which will be six months after my surgery. My recovery was quicker than expected and what was important was my determination not to give up.  

“I want to thank the Italian Federation and my team, Aeronautica, who have never abandoned me in the most difficult period of my career,” added Howe.

Howe's time on the sidelines until recently - he has already returned to training – have allowed him more time to concentrate on making music.

His Italian long jump record of 8.47m, set when winning the silver medal at the 2007 World Championships, ranks him sixth on the European all-time list.

'I continue to cultivate my passion for the drums. It seems strange but in addition to being able to vent my energy, playing is also a good way to reflect and see things from another perspective. I can assure you that was very useful at times.”

Next month will see the release of the first album by his band Craiving. Rock music fans can find more details on their website www.craiving.it

“It's called Wood and contains a song My Name that, I think has a lot of my personal history,” commented Howe.