Watch: Neeraj Chopra's Agonising Reaction On Yet Another Second-Place Finish
Fresh from his second-place finish in the Paris Olympic Games 2024, India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra failed to bag the top-podium spot yet again, salvaging the second spot in the Lausanne Diamond League on Thursday. Neeraj didn't look at his best the entire contest, yet managed to throw his season best of 89.49m in his last attempt, but that was only good enough for a silver-medal finish. Though Neeraj remained just inches away from breaching the 90-metre mark, his reaction to the final effort said everything about what he was feeling.
Chopra, who won India a silver medal at the recently-concluded Paris Olympics, was at fourth spot till the fourth round before sending his spear to 85.58m in his fifth attempt. Knowing that he needs to do better in order to finish in the top three, Neeraj gave his all in the final throw, producing an effort that measured 89.49m, which was better than his performance in the Paris Olympics. Yet, not better enough to beat Anderson Peters of Grenada who claimed the No. 1 spot with a throw of 90.61 meters.
Feeling so bad for Neeraj Chopra
90m will come for sure .
Neeraj was nowhere close to his best in 1st 5 throws gave his all in at 6th throw with SB of 89.49m !!
Common Neeraj 90m will come for sure !!#NeerajChopra #DiamondLeague #Javelin pic.twitter.com/Omuoapm3gK
Julian Weber of Germany took the third spot with 87.08m.
"The feeling wasn't great at first, but I´m happy with my throw, especially the second (career) best throw on my last attempt. It was a tough start, but the comeback was really nice and I enjoyed the fighting spirit I showed," Chopra said after the event.
"Even though my early throws were around 80-83m, I pushed hard in the last two attempts finishing strong. Competing