Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic silver medalist, showcased his resilience and determination in the Lausanne Diamond League 2024, securing a second-place finish with a season-best throw of 89.48m.
Despite a challenging start, with his first four throws exceeding 80m but falling short of the top two, Chopra faced the prospect of missing out on a podium finish. However, under immense pressure, he summoned his inner strength and unleashed an impressive 85.58m in his fifth attempt.
With only one throw remaining, Chopra knew he had to surpass Julian Webber’s 89.02m to secure a top-three finish. Drawing inspiration from his Kenyan counterpart Julius Yego, who advised him to “relax,” Chopra focused on the process rather than the outcome.
In his final attempt, Chopra unleashed a magnificent throw that soared through the air, landing at an astonishing 89.48m. This not only secured him second place but also broke his season best for the third time in just 15 days.
Reflecting on his performance, Chopra acknowledged the “strange” nature of the competition, admitting that he initially felt unprepared. However, he praised his fighting spirit and the calming words of Yego, which proved crucial in his comeback.
Chopra’s second-place finish earned him seven points, bringing his Diamond League standings to 15 points, tied with Webber. Anderson Peters remains in the lead with 21 points, while Jakub Vadlejch holds second place with 16 points.
With the Diamond League finals scheduled for September 14 in Brussels, Chopra needs to finish in the top six of the series standings to qualify. He plans to compete in one or two more competitions before the season concludes.
Chopra’s primary focus for the upcoming year is to regain full fitness from his long-standing groin injury. He aims to improve his technique and strive for even greater distances in the future.
