Javelin Star Julius Yego has backed his new success in the Diamond League competition to inspire an emerging crop of Kenyan athletes hoping to make a name in the sport in Kenya.

The Kenyan javelin thrower was finally on the podium, this time as a winner after winning the men’s javelin throw at the Silesia Diamond League on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with an effort of 83.60 m.

The feat snapped a prolonged wait for the elusive medal, which he last won in 2016.

The javelin man managed silver at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He was placed 5th in Paris in 2024, while his recent outing in the Neeraj Chopra Classic game ended with a second-place finish.

Taking to his Facebook page after the win in Silesia, the man who learnt and perfected the sport through watching videos on YouTube stated that it felt special to finally bag the gold medal.

Special day

“It’s been a long time since I last won a Diamond League competition! In 2016, it was in Oregon, equating to nine years down the line. Today is always a special day in my career as a javelin-throwing athlete. As I walked down the aisle to receive this trophy with many other winners of the day, I smiled as young kids lined up to embrace the winners and shake hands,” he said.

The athlete recounted his arduous journey back to the podium, relating how he almost gave up on the game following a series of injury setbacks. He, however, pointed out that the motivation and support from fellow athletes were crucial in helping him stay the course.

Resilience

“I felt something special inside my mind. I know young kids back home in Kenya were watching this too and felt motivated, inspired, and proud, and I hope they did. It’s been a career, I must admit, of ups and downs, most of the years in the treatment room and a few glorious moments that I can’t and will never forget.

“It shaped me and taught me that life is all about being strong and resilient and never saying never, and I am happy I didn’t take the thought to go when things got tougher, but I got tougher and more resilient!

“There were times I almost lost it, but I remembered some advice from these 2 legends and GOATs, whom I sought advice from, Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot, that ‘setbacks are stepping stones; don’t quit, keep going.’ BIG THANK legends,” he added.

In his latest achievement, Yego beat 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott, who threw 82.54, and Mardare Adrian, who was placed third with a season-best throw of 82.38.