Yego hits season best throw to storm Olympics javelin final

The 2016 silver medalist hit past the qualification mark of 84.00m, in the third attempt to punch the automatic qualification to the final set for Thursday, July 8.

Yego threw 78.84 in the first attempt then improved it to 80.75 before sealing the final slot with 85.97m.

“Today I woke up in very good condition and also had perfect feeling during the warm up. The body is responding very well and I hope I will perform well on Thursday.”

“The Miramas camp really helped me and I came here with the best feeling. I believe the body is ready to throw again,” said Yego.

Yego joined Julian Weber and Jakub Vadlejch in the final, all of whom breached the qualification standard of 84.00m at the Stade de France on Tuesday.

“My target was to get the automatic qualification to the final. Now it switches to the final where I believe if everything goes well, I can improve the Rio silver medal.”

The 2015 world champion has been blowing hot and cold and he struggled to hit 85m in the last one year and only qualified for the Olympics via the World Athletics rankings.

“I love the sport a lot and that’s why despite many challenges I always stay motivated.”

He added: “I urge many young Kenyans to join javelin. I’ve done my part and soon I will be exiting the stage, but when I look back and think we’ve promising javelin throwers around. They are there but the level is not where it should be.

“I also urge corporates and government to support this sport. Maybe lack of support is what is keeping many young Kenyans away from the sport. We can do well as a country in sports like javelin and sprints.”