Yego picks bronze in javelin

Julius Yego

Kenya's Julius Yego competes in the men's javelin throw final athletics event at the Alexander Stadium, in Birmingham on day ten of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, central England, on August 7, 2022. 

Photo credit: Ben Stansall | AFP

What you need to know:

Yego hauled season's best 85.70 metres but it's Pakistani Arshad Nadeem's second last throw of 90.18m that handed him victory and the Games Record too

Anderson Peters, who claimed bronze in 2018 Gold Coast Games, settled for silver in 88.64m

In Birmingham

The 2014 Commonwealth Games javelin champion Julius Yego wrapped up Kenya's outing at the Commonwealth Games with bronze in javelin at the Alexander Stadium on Sunday.

Yego hauled season's best 85.70 metres but it's Pakistani Arshad Nadeem's second last throw of 90.18m that handed him victory and the Games Record too.

Yego registered only two throws; his first of 85.70m that gave him bronze and last of 82.68m.

Anderson Peters, who claimed bronze in 2018 Gold Coast Games, settled for silver in 88.64m.

Yego's compatriot Alexander Kiprotich threw 77.93m to finish eighth.

“This has been a successful season for me after having struggled for almost four years with a groin injury,” said Yego.

“This stadium has beautiful memories since this is where I first threw my 90m plus distance back in 2015 when I won the Diamond League in 91.31m.”

Yego noted that when he took to the runway, he knew the receptive crowd would push them to their best.

“I have ended the year well with a bronze and I thank God because the level of competition and talent was immense. I am excited because many people had written me off owing to my fitness level,” said Yego

Yego said that he will take a rest, having finished the season healthy without an injury before focusing on next year.

“This should be my last Commonwealth Games God willing. I want to focus on next year’s World Athletics Championships before the 2024 Paris Olympics. I will then decide my future in the sport then,” explained Yego, the 2015 World javelin champion.

Yego said that Alex Kiprotich is a huge talent and the future of javelin.

“He had a nagging knee injury for the last three weeks that is why he didn’t throw well,” noted Yego.

“Managing 77m is huge for a person with an injury. He just needs to train hard, focus and aim higher. He will start to throw 85m plus soon. It will happen,” said Yego, the overall Team Captain.

Yego took time to commend his charges for a good performance that surpassed the 2018 Gold Coast outing.

“The level of competition was high. I will understand when people say that we didn’t get as many gold medals as they wanted but our opponents have improved greatly,” said Yego.

“What to thank every member of Team Kenya for their support. We need to look back and congratulate ourselves.

“But again, we need to come up with solutions on areas where we fell short,” said Yego. “Every country wanted medals.”

Yego singled out a Pakistani, who won gold in javelin with an Indian claiming silver in steeplechase. “It’s amazing and times are changing,” said Yego.

Kiprotich said a knee injury impeded a good performance.

"I have had the injury for three weeks now. I thought it would heal completely but I was wrong," said Kiprotich.

Kenya finished the championships with 21 medals; six gold, five silver and 10 bronze.

All the medals came from Athletics save for one, bronze in para powerlifting.