Walcott Claims Javelin Gold as Chopra and Nadeem Falter in Tokyo
The men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo turned into a dramatic evening of highs, lows, and a surprise champion. Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, made his comeback on the grandest stage by producing a season-best throw of 88.16 meters. That effort secured him the world title and placed him ahead of some of the sport’s biggest names.
For Indian and Pakistani fans, though, it was a tough night. Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic and world champion in recent years, was unable to find his rhythm. His best mark came early at 84.03 meters, and despite his efforts to climb back into contention, he had to settle for eighth place. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion from Paris 2024, also had an evening to forget. His best throw was 82.75 meters, leaving him in tenth place and well short of his dazzling 92.97-meter Olympic mark from last year.
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India’s young hopeful, Sachin Yadav, offered a bright spark despite missing out on the podium. He achieved a personal best of 86.27 meters to finish fourth, narrowly missing out on a medal but proving that he can hold his own at the world level. His performance gave Indian athletics fans something to cheer for, even as Chopra struggled.
The silver medal was taken by Grenada’s Anderson Peters with a throw of 87.38 meters, while the bronze went to Curtis Thompson of the United States, whose 86.67-meter effort marked a breakthrough moment for American javelin. That medal ended a drought of more than a decade for the U.S. in this event, making it a significant achievement.
The competition itself had no shortage of drama. Rain in Tokyo made conditions tricky, and several athletes, including veterans like Julius Yego, were forced to retire early due to injury. Neeraj Chopra, battling the slick runway and his own inconsistencies, cut a frustrated figure, repeatedly grimacing after his throws. For Nadeem, fouls and underwhelming releases sealed his early exit, a surprising turn given his dominance just a year ago in Paris.
This final was yet another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Chopra and Nadeem, one that has captivated fans across South Asia. But tonight, both men were outshone by Walcott, whose experience and composure carried him through. For the Trinidadian, this victory marked a return to the top after years of battling inconsistency since his Olympic triumph in London 2012.
The men’s javelin in Tokyo reminded the world that no matter how celebrated an athlete may be, nothing is guaranteed in sport. New names like Yadav are beginning to rise, veterans like Walcott are showing they still have plenty left, and established champions like Chopra and Nadeem are reminded that form can vanish as quickly as it arrives. In the end, it was Walcott’s night — and perhaps the start of a new chapter in global javelin.
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