Newmarket javelin thrower Goldie Sayers insists she didn’t go through two years of surgery and rehabilitation to return as an ‘average’ athlete.

The 32-year-old headed into the London 2012 Olympics as a big home medal hope after recording a new British record in the build-up, but she tore elbow ligaments on the eve of the Games and was unable to throw through the pain in front of a worldwide audience.

Three bouts of surgery and 21 months later, Sayers finally returned to competitive action in May. Immediately she threw 62.03m to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, while last month she threw 62.75m to claim her 11th national title.

“I knew if I could get my body right it was not going to be like you just forget how to throw,” said Sayers, who finished fourth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I didn’t put myself through all the surgery and rehab to come back and be really average, I did it to come back and win medals.

“Realistically, the Commonwealths are going to be really tough because the Aussies are going so well. Ironically, they are probably going to be harder than the European Championships (in August). I’m definitely aiming to medal at both though.”

She continued: “I still feel as if I haven’t thrown as far as I can – I’ve always felt as though I can throw close to 70m if the conditions were right.

“I think people think it’s weird that you think you can improve once you get into your 30s. Well I threw my PB (66.17m) just before the injury and I believe I’m a better athlete now than I was 10 years ago.

“I’m just enjoying every chance I get to compete. People will ask if I’m out to put London to bed, but I did that a long time ago to be honest.

“You have to let these things go and move on because otherwise it consumes you.”