Neeraj Chopra had one chance to make his mark at the Paris Olympics 2024, and he took it. Competing at the iconic Stade de France, the defending Olympic champion managed just one valid throw, earning him the silver medal in the men’s javelin final.
A Memorable Qualification
In the qualification round, Neeraj showcased his prowess with a spectacular 89.34m throw, the best of the season and the top mark of the round. His performance not only led his group but also confirmed his spot in the final.
Saving the Best for Last
Despite a strong performance, Neeraj did not celebrate his second-best throw of his career. He remained focused, knowing that “Asli cheez baaki hai” (the real thing is yet to come). His goal was clear: save his best effort for the final.
Final Throw Analysis
In the final, Neeraj’s journey included:
- A foul throw on his first attempt.
- A remarkable 89.45m throw on his second attempt, securing him the second spot.
- The defending champion aimed high but ultimately had to settle for silver.
Challenging Competitors
Neeraj faced tough competition from:
- Two-time world champion Anderson Peters, who finished with 88.63m.
- Julian Weber of Germany with 87.76m.
- Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem at 86.59m.
- Jakub Vadlejch, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, with 85.63m.
With such a strong field, Neeraj’s silver medal is a testament to his skill and determination. He remains a key figure in javelin throw and is poised for future success.