Australian javelin thrower Kim Mickle has dislocated her throwing shoulder in the qualifying rounds of the women’s javelin at the Rio Olympics.

Mickle was in considerable distress after her third throw in the qualification round at the Olympic Stadium, clutching her right wrist and forearm as she was walked from the field by stadium officials.

She could be seen mouthing “help me, help me”, while she sought medical help, which came only after what seemed to be long time for the distraught athlete.

She had surgery on her right shoulder in September last year after aggravating a pre-existing injury the previous month at the Beijing world championships, where she had been one of the medal favourites.

The Western Australian had always been facing a race against time to prove her fitness for Rio following a lengthy rehabilitation period, but some throws during training in Perth last month had helped boost her confidence.

Mickle, the 2013 world-championship silver medallist, hardly looked comfortable on her opening two throws, posting 57.20m and a foul.

Her third throw registered a mark of 55.93m but she immediately grimaced with the pain of a dislocated shoulder.

The news was better for fellow Australian Kathryn Mitchell, who scraped into Friday morning’s (AEST) final with a final throw of 61.63m.

She claimed the 12th spot in the final, beating American Kara Winger by 61cm, but Kelsey-Lee Roberts’ best mark of 55.25m was only good enough for 28th spot.