Neeraj Chopra narrowly missed out on reclaiming the Diamond Trophy at the 2024 Diamond League Final held in Brussels on September 14, finishing in second place behind Grenada’s Anderson Peters.
Neeraj Chopra’s best throw of 87.86 meters fell just 1 centimeter short of Peters’ winning throw of 87.87 meters.
The Diamond League Final featured a highly competitive field, with Chopra aiming to cap off his season on a high note after a series of strong performances.
He entered the final with a season-best throw of 89.49 meters, achieved during the Lausanne leg of the Diamond League, and was determined to break the elusive 90-meter barrier.
During the final, Chopra’s throws were as follows:
- First Attempt: 83.94 meters
- Second Attempt: 86.46 meters
- Third Attempt: 87.86 meters
Despite his consistent effort, Chopra’s throws were not enough to secure victory. Julian Weber from Germany finished third with a best throw of 85.97 meters.
Diamond League Final Prize Money
For his second-place finish, Chopra received USD 12,000, while Peters, who claimed the Diamond Trophy for the first time in his career, walked away with USD 30,000 and a wild card entry for the World Athletics Championships.
This marked a significant achievement for Peters, who had previously won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra’s Injury Concerns
Neeraj Chopra’s performance comes amid ongoing concerns about his fitness, particularly a groin injury that has hampered his training and competition this season.
Following the event, he expressed his intention to consult with medical professionals to address this issue, emphasizing the need to regain full fitness to pursue his goal of consistently throwing beyond 90 meters.
Looking Ahead
As the season draws to a close, Chopra has indicated that his immediate focus will be on recovery and improving his technique. He has previously stated that breaking the 90-meter mark is a priority, and he remains committed to achieving this milestone in future competitions.
Chopra’s performance at the Diamond League Final solidifies his status as one of the top javelin throwers in the world, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his return to form as he prepares for the upcoming season.
