Kenya’s javelin icon Julius Yego, widely known by his nickname ‘YouTube Man,’ has announced that he will be taking a temporary break from competitive javelin due to health concerns. The decision follows a disappointing performance at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday, 5th September, where Yego managed a throw of only 69.61 meters, finishing in 10th place. It was a tough end to a season filled with struggles for the former world champion, who has been battling injuries for much of the year.
Yego, who earned the nickname ‘YouTube Man’ for teaching himself how to throw javelin by watching online videos, made history by becoming Africa’s first world javelin champion in 2015. His remarkable rise to the top of the sport inspired athletes worldwide, and he has remained one of Kenya’s most celebrated sports figures. However, 2024 has not been kind to the javelin legend, with injuries and inconsistent performances limiting his ability to compete at the highest level.
A Challenging Season
The Zurich meet was fiercely competitive, featuring top athletes like Anderson Peters of Grenada, Julian Weber from Germany, and Roderick Dean from Japan. Peters emerged victorious with a throw of 85.72 meters, earning 29 points. Weber secured second place with a throw of 85.33 meters, while Dean clinched third with a best effort of 82.69 meters. India’s Neeraj Chopra finished just outside the podium positions in fourth place.
For Yego, who has been battling injury all season, Zurich marked another low point in a difficult year. His 10th-place finish was far below the high standards he has set for himself. In a reflective social media post after the event, Yego expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about the future. He also used the opportunity to announce his decision to take a break from the sport in order to recover fully and spend time with his family.
“We end it there for now after some health issues. It has been fun,” Yego wrote on social media. “I enjoyed every bit of the season and got to smile again after the last few years of dissatisfaction and disappointment. Thanks to everyone who cheered, clapped, and supported me in this journey.”
Yego added that this break would give him the chance to rest and reconnect with his family. “It’s time to go home and have time with my lovely family; to laugh, celebrate, and have fun again,” he shared, signaling his need to recharge both physically and mentally before returning to competition.
Battling Injuries
Injuries have played a significant role in Yego’s underwhelming performances this season. Earlier in 2024, he sprained his ankle during the Kipkeino Classic in Nairobi, forcing him to withdraw after three disappointing throws. The injury further hampered his ability to train at full strength ahead of key competitions. Despite this setback, Yego pushed through the pain to compete in events such as the Lausanne Diamond League, where he finished sixth, and the Doha Diamond League, where he placed eighth with a throw of 78.37 meters.
However, his most notable performance of the season came at the Paris Olympics, where he managed a season-best throw of 87.72 meters to finish fifth. This marked the first time Yego had surpassed the 85-meter mark in 2024, but it was not enough to build consistent momentum for the remainder of the season.
Despite these challenges, Yego remains optimistic about the future. His break from competition will allow him to fully recover and regain his strength as he prepares for future events. Yego has vowed to return stronger and better, with his sights set on more success for Kenya.
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A Glimmer of Hope
While this season may have been disappointing for Yego, it has not been without highlights. In addition to his performance at the Paris Olympics, he secured his fifth consecutive African Championship title earlier in the year, a testament to his enduring talent and resilience. Yego’s determination to overcome adversity has been a hallmark of his career, and he remains confident that he will continue to make history for Kenya in the sport.
As Yego takes this much-needed break, his fans and supporters eagerly await his return. His story is far from over, and the ‘YouTube Man’ has promised to come back with renewed energy and focus.
“I will be back stronger and better,” Yego concluded in his social media post, assuring his fans that his journey in javelin is not yet finished.
Looking Ahead
Yego’s immediate focus will be on recovery, but the road to full fitness will also involve careful preparation for future competitions. As he looks ahead to upcoming events, including future Diamond League meets and potentially the 2025 World Championships, Yego will be aiming to recapture the form that once made him the world’s best javelin thrower. His break from the sport will give him the opportunity to rehabilitate and return to competition at his best.
For now, Yego is focused on spending quality time with his family and reflecting on what has been a challenging but rewarding journey. His fans remain hopeful that the Kenyan javelin star will return to the field with the same passion and determination that made him a global icon.
As the world waits for his comeback, one thing is certain: Julius Yego’s story in athletics is far from over.
