TOKYO – Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott completed a remarkable return to the top of world athletics, clinching gold in the men’s javelin final at the World Championships on Thursday with a winning throw of 88.16m. It marked his first global crown since stunning the world as a 19-year-old Olympic champion in London 2012.
The 32-year-old, who has endured more than a decade of inconsistency and injury setbacks, dominated proceedings inside Tokyo’s National Stadium despite challenging, blustery conditions. Walcott unleashed not just the winning throw but also the second-longest mark of the night, underlining his supremacy to finally add a world title to his Olympic gold (2012) and bronze (2016).
“It feels great, it’s been a long 13 years,” Walcott said after his victory. “This sport is painful, but it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s like the most toxic relationship, you can’t leave, it keeps pulling you back.”
The Caribbean had further reason to celebrate as Grenada’s Anderson Peters, the two-time defending champion, claimed silver with 87.38m. While disappointed not to replicate his qualifying mark of 89.00m, Peters admitted he was too “choppy” on his run-up but vowed to return stronger. The bronze went to Curtis Thompson of the United States, who launched his opening throw to 86.67m, ending an 18-year American medal drought in the men’s javelin since Breaux Greer in 2007.
In contrast, several favorites faltered under pressure. India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion and Olympic hero from Tokyo 2021, labored to a modest 84.03m, finishing eighth. “I don’t understand what happened today,” Chopra admitted, revealing recent back issues. “In javelin, if you are not in good shape, you’re out.”
India’s Sachin Yadav offered his nation consolation, throwing a personal-best 86.27m to take fourth ahead of Germany’s Julian Weber (86.11m), who failed to replicate his world-leading 91.51m set at last month’s Diamond League final in Zurich.Former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya suffered misfortune, turning his ankle on his third attempt and withdrawing from the competition.
ARSHAD NADEEM THANKS FANS, VOWS COMEBACK AFTER INJURY-HIT WORLDS
Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, still battling the effects of an injury-plagued season, finished 10th with a best of 82.75m. He shared an emotional message with fans after failing to reach the men’s javelin final in Tokyo, attributing his below-par performance to an injury setback.
“Dear Pakistanis, I want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support and love throughout the World Athletics Championships,” Nadeem wrote on X. “Although I couldn’t achieve the result I had hoped for, I am proud to have represented our nation on the biggest stage.”
“Despite this challenge, I gave it my all. I know I let you down, but I promise to come back stronger and work even harder to make you proud,” he said.Nadeem ended his note by vowing to “keep pushing” for Pakistan, pledging to return better prepared for future international competitions.
