Paris Olympics: Automatic javelin qualification has Julius Yego dreaming big

YouTube man, Julius Yego, might just be the very definition of resilience as, against all odds, the 2015 World Champion is through to the Paris Olympics javelin final and dreaming big. 

With the automatic qualifying standard set to 84.0 m, he managed a season-best throw of 85.97 m. 

The feat has Yego setting ambitious goals both in the final and post-Olympics as he admits qualifying in the manner he did has him thinking there is more in him to keep his career going. 

This is the fourth Summer Games for the athlete who won silver in Rio 2016 off one legal throw, having picked an injury in his fourth attempt. 

"It is almost coming together as I had envisioned. I felt good coming into this stage and my body is more prepared to throw the javelin after the opening round. I just needed to be patient as the qualifying standard for the final was high," Yego offered after his feat. 

The thrower who has battled injuries and poor form in the recent past credited training in Miramas, Team Kenya's pre-Olympics camp in France, for his improved performance.

"It was a good place to train and the best decision for me. We focused on technique and speed as I am not a power thrower so I rely on speed more and getting my lock right and it is working. It is exciting to manage over 85m and that has given me the morale to keep competing," he opened up. 

Yego is, however, not resting on his laurels despite his feat as he is well aware he will need to go over his SB and lean towards a 90m throw to win or medal. 

India's Neeraj Chopra won the Tokyo Olympics title with an 87.58m throw while Germany's Thomas Röhler managed 90.30m in his fifth attempt to deny Yego gold. 

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Asked what keeps him going, Yego singled out his love for the sport adding that he had, just like Ferdinand Omanyala in sprints, trailblazed Kenya's throwing, going on to win silver at the Olympics and Gold at the World Championships, proving that lack of talent has never been an issue for the country’s sports. 

"We need youngsters to venture in the javelin. I have opened the way but support for the up-and-coming is key," he continued. 

The final is slated for Thursday 8 August from 9.25 pm (EAT).