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Neeraj Chopra, the Indian javelin thrower, fell agonizingly short of securing a second Diamond League Final title in Brussels, finishing a mere centimeter behind Grenada's Anderson Peters. The competition, held on a cold and windy Saturday night, saw Chopra achieve a best throw of 87.86m on his third attempt, only 0.01m shy of Peters' winning throw of 87.87m achieved on his very first attempt.
Chopra's runner-up finish marked the end of a successful 2024 athletics season for him, which saw him finish second at the Doha Diamond League and win a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. He also registered three throws beyond the 89m-mark throughout the season. However, the close defeat in Brussels underscored the high stakes and intense competition in the world of javelin throwing.
Adding to the drama surrounding Chopra's performance, he revealed that he competed in the Brussels final with a broken hand. This injury, sustained in practice just a day before the event, adds another layer of complexity to his performance, showcasing his dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. Chopra wrote about his injury on X, expressing his disappointment at not meeting his expectations but also highlighting the valuable lessons learned throughout the season.
Chopra's struggles throughout the 2024 season extended beyond his broken hand. He previously disclosed a groin injury sustained before the Paris Olympics, which hampered his performance. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level and secure a podium finish. As the season concludes, Chopra will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation, setting his sights on a strong comeback in 2025.
The Brussels Diamond League Final presented a challenging environment for all the competitors, with Weber, the third-place finisher, noting the cold weather and the difference in track surfaces between the warm-up area and the stadium. These conditions added another obstacle for the athletes, highlighting the demanding nature of high-level athletics.