I'm not quitting without a PB -Julius Yego
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 30.05.25. | 21:41
He goes up against a loaded field that has two-time World Champion, Grenada's Anderson Peters
Former World javelin champion Julius Yego says he is under no pressure as he heads to this year's Kip Keino Classic set for Saturday 31 May at the Ulinzi Complex.
'YouTube Man', as he is popularly known, is fresh from a season-opening 78.52m throw at the Doha Diamond League (DL) and despite the 36-year-old always being a star attraction at the Classic, he is focused on getting his rhythm as he works to reclaim his world championship-winning form.
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"The season is still long and the target is to be in peek form in September heading to Tokyo for the World Championships. However, unlike last year when there was pressure to throw a certain distance as I looked to qualify for the Paris Olympics, I feel more at ease now.
More importantly, there is still a 'big throw' in me. I have felt it in training but it has not yet manifested in a competition. It would really be special if I were to unlock that on Saturday but I am being patient," Yego offered.
But what exactly does Yego mean by a 'big throw'? Well, the former Olympic silver medalist says he is not leaving the sport without a new personal best (PB).
"I have inspired the current generation of throwers and competing against them is not only part of my legacy but an opportunity to challenge them. A new best mark is still achievable. I am not quitting until I hit that," he continued.
His 2015 world-title winning 92.72m throw remains his only in the over 90m realm, an exclusive club that the current crop of throwers credit him for inspiring. An injury at the 2016 Olympic Games where he thrust a 88.24m season best for silver, affected his form but the five-time African champion is working on his way back.
"I completed against my mentors until around 2019 and that gives me the confidence that I still have it in me to challenge the best. I was happy with my performance in Doha. Being a first competition, it is very unpredictable since it is all about dusting off. Coming almost four months since my last competition, it was a good throw and I am looking to build on it," he explained.
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