Japan's 2004 Olympic hammer throw champion Koji Murofushi hinted at his retirement on Friday after placing 12th in men's final at the National Athletics Championships, a result that ended his hopes of competing at the upcoming Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The 41-year-old veteran was returning to the nationals after a two-year absence and seeking a 21st title, but he came up well short of the Rio qualifying mark failing to reach the fourth round of throws.
Murofushi, bidding for his fifth consecutive Olympic Games and third Olympic medal, had to throw at least 77 meters to meet the Rio 2016 qualifying mark, but miserable weather at Paloma Mizuho Stadium and his truncated preparation hurt his chances.