Jakub Vadlejch: All you need to know about Neeraj Chopra's opponent in the men's javelin final at Paris Olympics 2024
The Paris Olympics 2024 javelin final will be held on August 8, and all eyes are on the intense rivalry between India's Neeraj Chopra and Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch. Here's a closer look at Vadlejch, one of the top gold medal contenders competing against Neeraj Chopra in this high-stakes event.
Born on October 10, 1990, Jakub Vadlejch has established himself as one of the elite javelin throwers in the world. At 33, he boasts an impressive resume that includes a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a throw of 86.67 meters, just behind Neeraj Chopra's gold-winning throw.
Vadlejch is a three-time Olympian and currently holds the position of World No. 1 with 1419 points, narrowly leading Chopra, who has 1413 points. His personal best throw stands at 90.88 meters, achieved in May 2022.
Vadlejch’s 85.63-meter throw in the qualification round helped him secure third place in Group A and a spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 javelin throw finals.
Jakub Vadlejch's Medals and Achievements
Olympics
- Tokyo 2020 - Silver Medal
World Championships
- London 2017 - Silver
- Eugene 2022 - Bronze
- Budapest 2023 - Bronze
Diamond League
- Gold (2016, 2017, 2023)
European Championships
- Rome 2024 - Gold
- Munich 2022 - Silver
Jakub Vadlejch's World Ranking
Jakub Vadlejch is currently the World No. 1 javelin thrower.
Jakub Vadlejch vs Neeraj Chopra: Head to Head
Jakub Vadlejch and Neeraj Chopra have had a neck-to-neck encounter. They have competed against each other 21 times, with Chopra leading with 12 victories to Vadlejch's nine. Their most recent encounter was at the Seashore Group Doha Meeting in May 2024, where Vadlejch edged out Chopra with a throw of 88.38 meters to Chopra's 88.36 meters.
Jakub Vadlejch's Recent Records
- Paris Olympics 2024 Qualification, August 2024 - 85.63m (3rd)
- Paris Diamond League Final, July 2024 - 85.04m (3rd)
- European Athletics Championships Final, June 2024 - 88.65m (1st)
- European Athletics Championships Qualification, June 2024 - 83.36m (2nd
- 63rd Ostrava Golden Spike Final, May 2024 - 86.08m (2nd)
Jakub Vadlejch's Personal Best and Season Best
Personal Best - 90.88m (Doha Diamond League, May 2022)
Season Best - 88.65m (European Athletics Championships Final, June 2024)
Jakub Vadlejch vs Neeraj Chopra Match Details
Jakub Vadlejch and Neeraj Chopra will feature at the men's javelin throw final event on August 8 at Stade de France which starts at 11:55 PM IST.