(Credit- GQ)
The elite javelin throwers!
Javelin throwing is one of the oldest track and field events, with records dating back to ancient Greece. Over the years, many athletes have excelled in this discipline, but only a few have reached the pinnacle of the sport. In this piece, we will take a closer look at the greatest javelin throwers of all time.
Jan Zelezny, a Czech athlete, is widely regarded as the greatest javelin thrower of all time. He won three Olympic gold medals—in 1992, 1996, and 2000—and set the world record three times during his career. His final world record of 98.48 metres, set in 1996, remains the longest throw in history. Zelezny's exceptional technique, power, and consistency made him a dominant force in the sport for over a decade. His records and achievements have earned him a permanent place in the annals of track and field history.
Andreas Thorkildsen, a Norwegian athlete, is also considered one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time. He won two Olympic gold medals, in 2004 and 2008, and set the European record of 91.59 metres in 2006. Thorkildsen's exceptional technique, speed, and precision enabled him to dominate the sport for several years, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest athletes in Norwegian history.
A British athlete, Steve Backley is a four-time European champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist in javelin throwing. He set the world record twice during his career, achieving a best throw of 91.46 metres in 1992. Backley's explosive power, athleticism, and dedication to his craft made him a formidable competitor, and his longevity in the sport has cemented his status as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time.
Tero Pitkämäki, a former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist in javelin throwing, holds the Finnish record of 91.53 metres, set in 2005. He has consistently ranked among the top performers in the sport for over a decade, showing his dedication and skill. Pitkämäki's achievements firmly place him among the greatest javelin throwers of all time.
Tom Petranoff emerged as a dominant javelin thrower in the 1980s, setting the world record in 1983 with an impressive throw of 99.72 metres. He claimed the national championship three times and participated in three Olympic Games, achieving fifth place on two occasions. Petranoff's technique was characterised by a long, sweeping motion that enabled him to generate substantial power and distance. His world record remained unbroken for nearly a decade, and his contributions to the sport led to his induction into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995.
Keshorn Walcott, a Trinidadian athlete, secured gold at the 2012 Olympics and bronze at the 2016 Olympics in the javelin throw. He also claimed gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and holds numerous national records. Walcott's technique revolves around a swift, fluid motion that enables him to harness momentum and power effectively. He is widely recognised as one of the premier javelin throwers hailing from the Caribbean.
Vadims Vasilevskis, a Latvian athlete, has achieved success in numerous major championships in the javelin throw. He secured gold at the 2004 Olympics, silver at the 2008 Olympics, and bronze at the 2005 World Championships. In 2004, he set a Latvian record with an impressive throw of 90.73 meters. Vasilevskis' technique revolves around a rapid and powerful throw, enabling him to generate considerable speed and distance.
Neeraj Chopra is right on the precipice of reaching the upper echelons of the all-time greats; maybe the Paris Olympics is a step in that direction!
