By Neeraj Chopra produced his best throw in over two years to secure a spot in the men’s javelin final at the Paris Olympics. With just one throw in the qualifying round, Neeraj booked his place, reminiscent of his previous performances at major championships. His 88.77 meters at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, 88.39 meters at the World Championships in Eugene a year earlier, and 86.65 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 all showcased his remarkable consistency.
What makes his 89.34 meters special? This throw marks a significant milestone for the 25-year-old defending champion. To put it in perspective, his gold-medal-winning throw at the Tokyo Olympics was 87.58 meters. This recent throw is Neeraj’s best in over two years, second only to his personal best of 89.94 meters in Stockholm in June 2022. This performance not only set the tone for the final but also dispelled any concerns about his form following a precautionary break due to an adductor niggle.
Neeraj Chopra’s 89.34m Qualifier Shines
Neeraj’s ability to rise to the occasion and perform in big finals is well-documented. He has consistently finished on the podium at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Asian Games, and Diamond League Finals. Despite the impressive qualifying throw, Neeraj remained composed, aware of the tough competition he faces.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters, the 2022 World Champion, also needed just one throw to qualify, achieving 88.63 meters. Similarly, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem threw 86.59 meters, both producing their best throws of the year when it mattered. German thrower Julian Weber hit 87.76 meters, and Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejc easily surpassed the qualification standard with his throw. Notably, three of these athletes are capable of throwing over 90 meters, adding to the intensity of the final.
In the high-stakes final, maintaining composure is crucial—a skill Neeraj has mastered. His 89.34 meters in the qualifier not only highlighted his readiness but also set the stage for an exciting showdown, with competitors like Arshad Nadeem poised to challenge him. Neeraj’s consistency and ability to deliver when it counts make him a formidable contender in any major championship.
