Neeraj Chopra’s path to Olympics Gold becomes clearer as world leader Max Dehning is ousted

In a surprising turn of events, world-leading (this year) javelin thrower Max Dehning has been eliminated from the Paris Olympics 2024. Dehning, who had thrown a world-leading distance of 90.20m earlier this year, could only manage 79.28m in Group B of the qualification round, finishing 12th and failing to advance.

The German teenager was one of the main rivals for gold at Paris Olympics

Career Highlights of Max Dehning

• Achieved personal best of 80.11 meters in September 2021.
• Joined TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the 2021 season.
• Silver medalist at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships.
• Silver medalist at the 2023 European Athletics U20 Championships.
• Broke European U23 record with a 90.20-meter throw in February 2024.
• Selected for the 2024 European Athletics Championships.

Rivalry Continues

The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan in javelin throwing adds another layer of excitement to the competition. Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem have faced off in several thrilling encounters, and fans are eager for another showdown in the final. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, will begin his title defence on August 8 in the final.

Both Indian and Pakistan athlete have entered into the javelin throw final with just one throw in qualification on Tuesday.

Neeraj Chopra’s credentials

Neeraj Chopra threw season’s best throw of 89.34m in the qualification round of Paris Olympics. His national record stands at 89.94m, set at the Stockholm Diamond League in June 2022.

With his extensive experience and consistent performance, the 26-year-old Chopra is expected to advance through the qualification round with ease. The real test, however, will come in the final on Thursday, where he will face strong contenders.

Top Contenders vs Neeraj Chopra

Among those challenging Neeraj Chopra for the gold medal will be Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, Grenada’s Anderson Peters, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, Julius Yego of Kenya, Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, and Finland’s Oliver Helander. These athletes add to the high stakes of the competition.

Qualification Round Insights

The qualification round has determined the line-up for Thursday’s men’s javelin throw final. Athletes achieving the qualifying mark of 84.00m has progressed to the final.

Neeraj Chopra: Top Rivals

Arshad Nadeem:

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won silver at the World Championships and gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 with a throw of 90.18m, is one of Neeraj Chopra’s most formidable rivals. The Chopra-Nadeem rivalry is one of the most anticipated in athletics.

Julian Weber:

Germany’s Julian Weber, the reigning European Games champion, has a personal best of 89.54m and a season’s best of 88.37m. He has been consistent in 2024, competing in five tournaments and delivering throws exceeding 85m in each event.

Oliver Helander:

Finland’s Oliver Helander, ranked fourth in the world, has a season’s best of 85.75m. He has competed against Neeraj Chopra earlier this year, finishing third at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 83.96m.

Keshorn Walcott:

Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, a gold medallist at London 2012 and a bronze medallist at Rio 2016, is aiming for his third Olympic medal. With a season-best throw of 85.11m, he could be a dark horse in the competition.

Julius Yego:

Kenya’s Julius Yego, the Rio 2016 silver medallist, also poses a significant threat. The former world champion has a season’s best of 81.74m and could spring a surprise in the final.

As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Neeraj Chopra as he aims to add another Olympic gold to his impressive list of achievements.

Max Dehning: A Rising Star in Javelin

Early Life and Career Start

• Born in Leverkusen, Germany on September 9, 2004.
• Played football and handball before discovering athletics through his sister.
• Began competitive javelin throwing at U16 level.
• Became German youth champion in javelin