Yego fired up for Rabat Diamond League, reveals '28 LA target

The Olympic silver medallist and 2015 world champion is now targeting qualification for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, while also revealing that the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will mark the final chapter of his glittering career.

Looking ahead to the next Olympic cycle, Yego says his immediate mission is to remain competitive on the global stage through the Diamond League circuit before making one final push for the Olympics.

“My main mission now going forward is to focus more on the Diamond League and the World Championships next year.

"Ultimately, the focus is qualifying for the Olympics in 2028,” said Yego.

The Kenyan veteran admitted that LA 2028 will be his final appearance at the Olympic Games, signaling the end of one of Africa’s greatest field-event careers.

“The last throw at the Olympics will be my last throw in men’s javelin. I will think of retiring after that,” he added.

In Rabat, Yego faces a stacked field led by Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage, who currently holds the world-leading mark of 89.37m this season. 

Also entered are reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott, world silver medallist Anderson Peters, and 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Röhler.

Despite the fierce rivalry, Yego says the reunion with his long-time competitors is built on friendship and mutual respect developed over years on the international circuit.

“Me, Keshorn, Anderson and Röhler are very good friends. It’s about enjoying the competition and cheering each other on. Whoever gets the best throw wins,” Yego said.

The Kenyan star also welcomed the rise of emerging talents in the event, singling out Pathirage’s breakthrough performances this season as proof that javelin is expanding globally.

“The emergence of new athletes from different parts of the world is good for the sport.

Rumesh came to Nairobi and threw over 89 metres, which was amazing. It’s exciting to see young athletes coming up. It gives us a good challenge,” he noted.

Yego tested his early-season form at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on April 24, where he finished fourth with a best throw of 79.87m. 

Pathirage dominated the contest with a massive 89.28m effort, while Germany’s Thomas Röhler and South Africa’s Douw Smit completed the podium places.

Yego claimed his first-ever Diamond League victory in Silesia in 2025 after a gutsy throw of 83.60m.