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After a successful stint with his former coach Klaus Bartonietz of Germany , two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra on Saturday, November 9 confirmed his new coach in Jan Železný. The 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist is set to join hands with legend and men’s javelin world record holder Jan Železný.
Chopra, who was long looking for his coach following the retirement of his long-time German coach, finally zeroed down on Jan Železný. It is to be noted that the Czech javelin thrower is a three-time Olympic gold-medallist (1992, 1996 and 2000) and a three-time world champion (1993, 1995 and 2001). He also has an Olympic silver medal to his name, which he won at the 1988 Olympics.
It’s an honour to Jan by my side as I push towards the next level: Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra, who approached the legendary Czech a few weeks ago after a split between Jakub Vadlejch and Zelezny, which came to an end after 14 long years. “Growing up, I admired Jan’s technique and precision and spent a lot of time watching videos of him. He was the best in the sport for so many years, and I believe that working with him will be invaluable because our throwing styles are similar, and his knowledge is unmatched,” Neeraj Chopra added. " It’s an honour to Jan by my side as I push towards the next level in my career, and I can’t wait to get started,” he further added.
I wish to lead the elite training group: Jan Železný
Speaking on signing with Neeraj Chopra, the legendary javelin thrower said, “That made me happy because I talked about [Neeraj] as a great talent many years ago, at the beginning of his career. I also saw a great benefit for the other members of my group, in which the best javelin throwers in the world would motivate each other and everyone would benefit from it.”
“I told the group about both of my intentions: to lead the elite training group for two more years - and not the entire Olympic cycle - and to welcome Neeraj Chopra into the group. Kuba subsequently decided to leave the group," Zelezny was quoted as saying on the Czech Athletic Federation's website.
The two will get together with Neeraj Chopra set to begin a new cycle at a winter training camp in Potchefstroom in South Africa.
