In 2007, Anju had missed the European, and IAAF Grand Prix meets. This had affected her world ranking. From fourth in 2004, Anju had slipped to 20th in 2007.

Anju will compete till July. In the last two weeks before the Olympics, there will be mild training to maintain fitness. Bangalore will remain the training base.

Prior to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Anju had gone to South Africa. But due to inclement weather conditions, she had fewer training sessions than expected and it was not a productive trip. In 2007, shifting to Italy and Germany for indoor training didn’t work either. “We don’t want to take any risk this time. Though some modern facilities are missing, we’ll manage,” Robert said.

Robert said Anju has taken a necessary break and she is feeling pepped up and raring to go. “Anju is capable of doing the 7m jump. Maybe she will do it in the Olympics.”