Paris Olympics silver medalist Neeraj Chopra joins the team led by the most successful javelin thrower of all time, Jan Zelezny.
Czech Athletics Federation announced yesterday that javelin coach Jan Zelezny58, and the Czech javelin thrower by Jakub Vadlejch34, part ways.
– After 14 years of traveling together, one chapter ends. The time has come to go my own way and I will do my best to continue to win medals for my country. I want to thank Zelezny for everything he has done for me, European champion Vadlejch said.
Czech Miroslav Guzdek49, is Vadlejch’s new coach.
At the same time, it was reported that Zelezny will get an Indian, who won Olympic silver in Paris, to join his team By Neeraj Chopra26.
Chopra wanted Zelezny as her coach
Neeraj Chopra’s trainer Klaus Bartonetz moved on for retirementbecause of which the spearhead needed a new coach. Chopra approached javelin legend Zelezny a few weeks ago in the hope that the Czech would start coaching him. Now the Indian’s wish seems to be coming true.
– I have been talking about Neeraj’s gifts for years. I think it’s a good situation when the best javelin throwers in the world push each other forward. When I told my coaches about Chopra – Jakub (Vadlejch) announced that he would leave the group, Zelezny explained the situation.
Chopra and Zelezny will first start training remotely. Together, they get to train for the first time at a winter camp organized in South Africa.
Chopra threw his best 89.49 in the Diamond League of Lausanne last season. His record is 89.94. The Indian has achieved, among other things, Olympic and World Cup gold in his career.
Zelezny’s plan is to lead the coaching group for another two years, i.e. not a full Olympics.