Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

OREGON: Former javelin world champion Julius Yego is approaching his fourth World Athletics Championships with gratitude, but says he “can still topple the greats” in Eugene.

The four-time African champion almost did not make it to Oregon after failing to attain the qualifying mark of 85 metres by the close of the qualification period on 26 June.

The Kenyan’s participation is instead courtesy of his world ranking thanks to his throw of 79.69m while winning the African title in Mauritius last month.

“I am excited and feel somewhat lucky to have made it to the prestigious World Athletics Championships again,” the 33-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

“It’s a real honour to get an opportunity to come back at this stage after a long period of unfitness.” Yego may need to improve on his throw last month in Mauritius to even reach the final in Oregon, with the mark of 83.50m.