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Germany’s Julian Weber delivered a masterclass in javelin throwing at the Diamond League Final 2025 in Zurich, clinching the title with two thunderous throws over 91 metres. India’s Neeraj Chopra, despite a valiant last-ditch effort, finished runner-up with a best throw of 85.01 metres. The event marked a dramatic showdown between two of the sport’s fiercest competitors, with Weber’s dominance reaffirming his status as the man to beat heading into the World Championships.
Event overview
- The Diamond League Final took place on August 28 at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium, a venue steeped in athletics history
- Seven elite javelin throwers competed, including Olympic champions, world titleholders, and rising stars
- The competition was intense from the outset, with Julian Weber setting the tone early and Neeraj Chopra battling through technical challenges
Julian Weber’s winning performance
1. Weber opened with a massive 91.37 metre throw, instantly establishing a commanding lead
2. He followed it up with an even more impressive 91.51 metre heave, marking a personal best and the season’s world-leading distance
3. His subsequent throws of 83.66m, 86.45m, and 88.66m further underscored his consistency and dominance
4. Weber’s victory marks his first Diamond League Final title, capping off a season where he breached the 90m mark three times
Neeraj Chopra’s gritty comeback
- Chopra began with a solid 84.35m throw, placing him third behind Weber and Keshorn Walcott
- His second attempt measured 82.00m, followed by three consecutive fouls that jeopardized his podium chances
- On his sixth and final attempt, Chopra launched the javelin to 85.01m, overtaking Walcott and securing second place
- The result extended Chopra’s remarkable streak of 26 consecutive top-two finishes at international events
Other notable performances
- Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago claimed third with a best throw of 84.95m
- Anderson Peters, the defending world champion from Grenada, finished fourth with 82.06m
- Julius Yego of Kenya and Andrian Mardare of Moldova delivered respectable throws in the low 80s but failed to challenge the top three
Athlete reactions and reflections
- Neeraj Chopra acknowledged the technical difficulties he faced, citing issues with his run-up and timing
- Despite the setback, he expressed satisfaction with his final throw and confirmed he remains injury-free ahead of the World Championships
- Julian Weber, now the clear favourite for Tokyo 2025, celebrated his win with understated confidence, noting the importance of peaking at the right time
Historical context
- Chopra won the Diamond League Final in 2022 at the same venue, becoming the first Indian to do so
- He finished second in Eugene 2023 and Brussels 2024, making this his third consecutive runner-up finish
- Weber’s rise has mirrored Chopra’s trajectory, with both athletes pushing each other to new heights throughout the season
Looking ahead
- The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are just weeks away, where Chopra will defend his world title
- Weber’s form makes him a formidable contender, and their rivalry is expected to headline the event
- Chopra’s focus will be on refining technique and regaining his rhythm, while Weber aims to maintain his momentum
Sources: Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Sportstar (The Hindu), Zee News, Khel Now, News18
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