Kenya’s javelin sensation, Julius Yego, has booked his spot in the men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025. The 2015 world champion launched an impressive throw of 85.96m on his very first attempt, securing qualification in Group B.
Out of 18 athletes in his qualification pool, only four advanced to the final. Leading the group was Anderson Peters with a massive 89.53m throw, followed by Yego’s 85.96m. Arshad Nadeem clinched third with 85.28m, while Curtis Thompson sealed the last slot with 84.72m. Yego’s qualification is a huge boost for Kenya, a nation traditionally known for its track dominance but rarely represented on the global stage in field events.
A decade has passed since Yego stunned the world in Beijing 2015, when he threw 92.72m to become the first Kenyan to win a javelin world title. That throw not only crowned him world champion but also set a still-standing African record. His rise was remarkable, given he largely taught himself by watching YouTube videos, earning him the nickname “Mr. YouTube Man.”
However, Yego’s career journey has not been without challenges. Recurring injuries, including a groin issue at the 2016 Rio Olympics, disrupted his peak form. Despite struggling in that final, he still managed to secure silver. In later years, ankle strains and a lack of rhythm prevented him from reaching the same heights, with disappointing performances at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.
Another major challenge has been the lack of structured support for field events in Kenya. Unlike track disciplines, javelin and other throws receive minimal investment, leaving athletes to struggle with inadequate facilities and limited coaching. Yego himself admitted that poor access to expert training and financial support slowed his progress.
Yet, his resilience has kept him in the game. His qualification for the Tokyo 2025 final with such a commanding throw is a testament to his determination and experience. While the path has been filled with setbacks, Yego’s comeback is inspiring and reignites Kenya’s hopes of winning a medal in a rare discipline for the country.
As he heads into the finals, fans will be watching closely to see if “Mr. YouTube Man” can once again bring glory to Kenya and etch his name further into athletics history.
