Javelin thrower Yego now targets Moscow

By GILBERT WANDERA

Kenya is always known to dominate in middle and long-distance events during major championships like the Olympic games.

But this year’s Olympic games held in London were different in that it was the first time that the country was entered in the javelin event.

However, even being his first time Julius Yego did not disappoint as he managed to reach the final and finished 12th.

Not only did he make history by becoming the first Kenyan to participate in javelin, reaching the final was also another historical moment for the 23-year-old policemen.

And now Yego is so inspired by his performance in London that he feels a podium finish in a major world event is not far off.

“Since the beginning of the year, my dream was to reach the final not even win a medal and I am delighted that it happened.

“It was not easy competing against top athletes from countries that have better facilities,” said Yego when he arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday morning.

Yego is full of praise for his coaches in London who kept inspiring him at every level until he reached the final.

“During the semi-finals, coach Kirwa (Julius) told me to I am at a throw of 82m which would automatically put me in the final.

“He assured me that I was capable of doing it and when it happened I was very delighted,” he said.

After his performance in London, Yego who learnt throwing the javelin through YouTube says he would love to go on and win a medal at next year’s World Athletics Championships in Moscow.

“The Olympic experience has given me a lot of confidence and now I can begin to even dream of a medal finish as early as during next year’s World Championships. Any medal would do for me in the event,” he said.