Julius Yego: All you need to know about Neeraj Chopra's opponent in the men's javelin final at Paris Olympics 2024
Julius Yego is one of the key competitors of Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Here's a look at Yego's background, achievements, and what to expect from him in the final.
Julius Yego, born on January 4, 1989, in Kenya, is widely recognized for his self-taught approach to javelin throwing. Unlike many athletes who receive formal coaching, Yego learned by watching YouTube videos, earning him the nickname "Mr. YouTube." This unconventional method didn’t hold him back; instead, it helped him develop a powerful and effective technique that propelled him to the top of the sport.
Yego’s career took a significant leap in 2015 when he won the World Championships with a throw of 92.72 meters. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Yego won the silver medal with a throw of 88.24 meters. His experience and consistency have kept him competitive even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
He didn’t have a great run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finishing 24th in the qualification round with a 77.34m. While Yego is now 35 years old and past his peak years, he still remains an athlete to keep an eye on.
Currently ranked World No. 15, Yego qualified for the Paris 2024 final with a throw of 85.97 meters in the qualification round. Although he may not be in his prime, his experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a contender to watch in the final.
Julius Yego's Medals and Achievements
Olympic Games:
- Rio de Janeiro 2016 - Silver
World Championships:
- Beijing 2015 - Gold
Commonwealth Games:
- Glasgow 2014 - Gold
- Birmingham 2022 - Bronze
African Games:
- Maputo 2011 - Gold
- Rabat 2019 - Gold
- Accra 2023 - Silver
African Championships:
- Porto Novo 2012 - Gold
- Marrakech 2014 - Gold
- Asaba 2018 - Gold
- Port Louis 2022 - Gold
- Douala 2024 - Gold
- Nairobi 2010 - Bronze
Julius Yego's World Ranking
Julius Yego is currently the World No. 15 javelin thrower.
Julius Yego vs Neeraj Chopra: Head to Head
Julius Yego and Neeraj Chopra competed against each other seven times, with Chopra winning four and Yego winning three. Their most recent encounter was at the Doha Diamond League in May 2024, where Neeraj finished second with a throw of 88.36m, whereas Yego secured the eighth spot with a 78.37m throw.
Julius Yego's Recent Records
- Paris Olympics 2024 Qualification, August 2024 - 85.97m (2nd)
- African Athletics Championships Final, June 2024 - 80.24m (1st)
- Motonet GP Kuortane Final, June 2024 - 79.83m (5th)
- National Trials for the Paris Olympics, June 2024 - 76.42m (1st)
- Kenyan Championships Final, May 2024 - 81.21m (1st)
Julius Yego's Personal Best and Season Best
Personal Best - 92.72m (IAAF World Championships Final, August 2015)
Season Best - 85.97m (Paris Olympics 2024 Qualification, August 2024)
Julius Yego vs Neeraj Chopra Match Details
Julius Yego 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.