New Delhi, Aug 09: Arshad Nadeem, a javelin thrower from Pakistan, shocked everyone by shattering the Olympic record on Thursday at the Stade de France during the Paris 2024 Olympics. His throw was 92.97 meters. The reigning champion from India, Neeraj Chopra, took up the silver with a throw of 89.45 meters.
Chopra’s Olympic final began with a foul, stumbling after his release, causing his foot to cross the line. Undeterred, his second throw soared through the Paris night, landing at 89.45 meters, placing him second behind Nadeem’s record-breaking 92.97 meters.
His third attempt was a disappointing 75-meter throw. The fourth throw mirrored his initial effort, with Neeraj falling and the javelin barely crossing 80 meters, prompting him to shuffle over the line for another foul.
The fifth throw was no better; he slipped, his body crossing the line, marking his third foul of the night.
Nadeem’s incredible feat surpassed the previous record set by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen, who threw 90.57 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Arshad, who clinched silver at the 2023 World Championships, had a personal best of 90.18 meters from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, where he secured gold. Despite starting the final with a foul, Arshad launched himself to victory with his record-breaking second attempt and solidified his lead with a third throw of 88.72 meters.
Nadeem’s throw not only set a new Olympic record but also made him the fourth athlete in Olympic history to surpass the 90-meter mark in men’s javelin.
