India’s javelin throw phenomenon Neeraj Chopra gave a fine performance to win the coveted Golden Spike meet title in his first appearance at the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event. Having just won the Paris Diamond League on June 20, the 27-year-old phenomenon claimed victory in a highly competitive nine-man lineup with a throw of 85.29 m. While this was a bit more modest than his recent achievements, it was another landmark in what has already been an extraordinary season. Douw Smith took silver with 84.12m, coming in at third was Anderson Peters (83.63m).
Comeback After Fitness Struggles Pays Off for Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj, who skipped the last two Golden Spike meets where his mentor, the legend Jan Zelezny, won nine titles because of fitness issues, showed exceptional resilience and consistency. His incredible season includes a career-best 90m-plus throw, finishing second at the Doha Diamond League in May, and winning his first Diamond League title in two years in Paris, solidifying his position as javelin’s brightest star.
Third-Round Surge Secures the Title for Neeraj Chopra
Chopra got off to a poor start with a foul on his first effort, but put the Olympic champion under early pressure. He then fought back with a strong second effort, sending the javelin flying to 83.45m, well past the 80m mark and into third place behind South Africa’s Smit (84.12m, a PB) and Grenada’s Peters (83.63m).
The Indian athlete got into his groove on his third try, producing a meet-leading throw of 85.29m, (his first 85m+ throw), taking the lead. After dropping slightly on his fourth (82.17m) and fifth (81.01m) tries, Neeraj was still unbothered at the top, although he seemed displeased with his marks, specifically flashing a pout after his fourth attempt. His 85.29m throw was the night’s best, and it earned him his win.
Rohler and Rivals Fall Short of Neeraj’s Mark
Elsewhere, Rio Olympics champion Rohler started off modestly with a 69.35m before stepping up to a solid 77.78m, but it was not enough to threaten the leaders. Smit and Peters maintained their positions, closing well but not capable of bettering Chopra’s third-round effort.
