By As Neeraj Chopra aims to reclaim the gold medal he won at the Tokyo Olympics, let’s look at his competitors for Paris 2024. The numbers 87.58 will always be significant in Indian sports history. When Chopra threw the javelin in Tokyo, celebrating before it landed, a nation rejoiced. Now, three years later, he returns as both the reigning Olympic and World Champion.
Chopra’s preparations for Paris have been less than ideal, with only three events this year. Currently ranked fourth in the 2024 season’s top list, he has a remarkable record of rising to big occasions. Can he add another Olympic gold to his collection? Here’s a look at the challengers vying for his title.
Neeraj at Paris 2024: Jakub Vadlejch (Season Best: 88.65, Personal Best: 90.88)
Jakub Vadlejch has consistently challenged Neeraj Chopra in recent javelin competitions. He won Olympic silver when Chopra claimed gold in Tokyo, and Worlds bronze when Chopra triumphed in Budapest. In 2024, Vadlejch narrowly surpassed Chopra at the Qatar Diamond League by just 2 cm and won European gold with an 88.65m throw, the second-best of the season. He remains a top contender for Paris 2024.
Meanwhile, a young German athlete made waves with a 90.20m throw early in 2024, the only 90m mark this year. However, he has struggled to replicate this distance, with subsequent throws in the high 70s and early 80s. Nonetheless, his 90m performance keeps him in the mix.
