Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Secures Spot in Paris 2024 Finals with Record Javelin Throw
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, showcased an impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing his place in the men’s javelin throw final with a remarkable throw of 89.34 meters. This throw marked his best attempt at the Summer Games and came during his first attempt in Group B of the qualification round, exceeding the qualification mark of 84 meters by 5.34 meters.
Chopra’s stellar performance has set the stage for his title defense in Paris, underscoring his determination to clinch gold once again. Should he succeed, Chopra will join an elite group of athletes who have successfully defended their Olympic titles in the men’s javelin event. Previous champions include Eric Lemming of Sweden (1908 and 1912), Jonni Myyra of Finland (1920 and 1924), Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic (1992, 1996, and 2000), and Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway (2004 and 2008). If Chopra wins, he will become the first Indian to win two gold medals in an individual event at the Olympics.
Despite his impressive qualifications, Chopra has faced challenges this season. He has participated in only three events, with a notable performance at the Doha Diamond League in May, where he finished second with a throw of 88.36 meters, his season’s best. He later withdrew from the Ostrava Golden Spike on May 28 due to a precautionary measure after experiencing discomfort in his adductor.
Another notable athlete, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the current Commonwealth Games champion, also advanced to the finals with a throw of 86.59 meters. In contrast, Kishore Jena, the second Indian contender, did not qualify for the finals, with a best throw of 80.73 meters, falling short of the top-12 qualification cut.
Chopra’s exceptional performance in Paris continues his legacy following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Games, where he became the first Indian to claim gold in a track and field event. With a world championship gold under his belt last year, Chopra aims to make history once again at the Paris 2024 Olympics.