Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem etched his name in history by securing the country’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medal with a record-breaking performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Arshad’s throw of 92.97 meters in his second attempt not only clinched the gold medal but also shattered the previous Olympic record, setting a new benchmark in the sport.
A Historic Victory
Arshad Nadeem’s monumental throw of 92.97 meters surpassed the previous Olympic record held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen, who threw 90.57 meters at the 2008 Beijing Games. This victory marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it is the first time the country has won a gold medal in athletics, and the first gold in any discipline at the Olympics in 40 years.
This achievement also ended Pakistan’s 32-year medal drought at the Olympics, with the last medal being a bronze won by the national hockey team in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics. Arshad’s victory has not only brought pride to the nation but has also put Pakistan on the global athletics map.
The Final Standings
Arshad Nadeem’s incredible throw placed him at the top of the podium, with India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending Olympic champion, securing the silver medal with a throw of 89.45 meters. Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a strong contender in the event, won the bronze medal with a throw of 88.54 meters.
Below are the best throws by the top contenders in the javelin throw final:
- Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) — 92.97 meters
- Neeraj Chopra (India) — 89.45 meters
- Anderson Peters (Grenada) — 88.54 meters
- Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic) — 88.50 meters
- Julius Yego (Kenya) — 87.72 meters
- Julian Weber (Germany) — 87.40 meters
- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) — 86.16 meters
- Lassi Etelätalo (Finland) — 84.58 meters
- Oliver Helander (Finland) — 82.68 meters
- Toni Keränen (Finland) — 80.92 meters
- Luiz Maurício (Brazil) — 80.67 meters
- Andrian Mardare (Moldova) — 80.10 meters
Pakistan’s Olympic Journey
Despite Arshad Nadeem’s historic victory, it was a challenging Olympics for the Pakistani delegation. Out of the seven athletes sent to Paris, six were disqualified from their respective events, highlighting the need for better preparation and support for the country’s athletes on the global stage.
Arshad Nadeem’s triumph, however, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future athletes and the nation as a whole. His dedication and performance have not only earned him a place in history but have also revitalized Pakistan’s Olympic aspirations.
