Julius Yego in action in Paris (C) Kelly Ayodi / Olympics Kenya
Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego put behind the disappointment of missing out on the event's Olympic final in Tokyo three years ago after throwing a season best 85.97 metres on his third and final attempt to extend in stay in Paris until Thursday 8 August, when the men's javelin throw final will take place.
At Tokyo 2020, the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist made two foul throws in his first two attempts before bowing out of the competition in the Qualification Round after his final throw of 77.34 metres failed to meet the then qualification standard of 83.5 metres and was only good enough to see finish 24th, ranking way outside the top 12 who proceeded to the final.
Despite a challenging start by the 2011 world champion, there was only a happy ending today, as Yego progressively improved in the Pool A contest at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, on Tuesday morning.
The 35-year old's first throw was better than his attempts in Tokyo three years with his javelin breaking the ground at 78.84 metres.
Not to be held back by that unsatisfying start, Yego returned stronger in his second attempt, throwing 80.76 metres.
Yego was getting closer and for his final throw, he managed to collect himself and calm his nerves, before lunging forward to launch his javelin throw for a super throw that stretched the tape measures to 85.97 metres.
The throw was a season best for the reigning African champion, surpassing his attempt at the All Africa Games in March when he threw 81.74 metres to win silver.
The effort should boost Yego's going into the final as in recent years he has struggled with injuries which impacted his performance negatively at the last Olympic Games.
His performance today indicated that he is slowly getting back to his best as the last time he had thrown more than 85 metres was two years ago during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where he won silver after throwing 85.70 metres.
Now through to his first Olympic final since Rio 2016, Yego has enough time to prepare as he plots for a second Olympic medal and once again prove pedigree as the man for the big occasions.
