Today is the day when defending champion Neeraj Chopra will compete in the final of the men’s javelin throw event at the Stade de France.
The reigning Olympic and World Champion in men’s javelin throw, the 26-year-old had a majestic qualification throw of 89.34 metres.
But let’s take a look at who will be competing alongside Neeraj Chopra in the finals today.
Anderson Peters, Grenada (Caribbean)
In 2022, the former world champion beat Neeraj Chopra to the world title. Peters, on his Instagram page, admitted that this is his first Olympic finals, and he has dreamed about reaching here since 2012. This time, Peters came second in the rankings with an impressive throw of 88.63m. He is currently at number 6 in the world rankings. The 26-year-old’s personal best is 93.07m, while his best for the season is 86.62m.
Julian Weber, Germany
Julian Weber finished fourth in the 2023 World Championship, behind gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, Arshad Nadeem (Silver), and Jakub Vadlejch (Bronze). The world number 3, in Paris, had an impressive throw of 87.76m. His personal best is 89.54m, and his best for the season is 88.37m.
Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem go way back in time. Nadeem won a silver medal in the 2023 World Championships. Nadeem secured his spot for the finals with a throw of 86.59m. Nadeem’s personal best is 90.18m, while the season best of 84.21m
Jakub Vadlejch, Czechia
The current world number one is a tough competitor to watch out for. Jakub Vadlejch qualified for the final with a throw of 85.63m. The 33-year-old has a personal best of 90.88m and a season-best of 88.65m.
Julius Yego, Kenya
The 35-year-old is the only Kenyan javelin thrower to have made it to the Olympic Games. His first time was in London in 2012.
According to Olympics.com, he placed fourth at the 2013 World Championships before winning the 2014 Commonwealth Games title and being crowned World Champion in Beijing a year later. His throw, which is the fifth-longest in history (92.72m) and an African record, is also the fifth-longest in history.
The peak of his career came in Rio 2016 when he won a silver medal with a throw of 88.24 m, despite only throwing once after picking up an ankle injury.
Julius Yego qualified with a throw of 85.97m.
