Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra breaks another national record

Neeraj Chopra's attempt to breach the 90-meter barrier was unsuccessful, but the 24-year-old Indian javelin thrower got within six centimeters when he broke the national record for the second time in a month at the Stockholm Diamond League with an opening throw of 89.94 meters.

The Olympic champion finished second to world champion Anderson Peters, but Chopra will be happy with his performance in Stockholm because it was the first time he placed in the top three in a Diamond League tournament. Chopra had rewritten his personal record with 89.30 yards in his season opener at the Paavo Nurmi Games. Chopra's 89.94m was also a meet record until Peters broke it in the third round with 90.31m.

Chopra's start at the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm was typical - smooth on the runway and a simple release, a tremendous tumble before the scratch line, and then uplifted hands after witnessing the javelin land. In the first two rounds, Chopra led the eight-man field. However, Peters, who has had a volatile season, recorded his third 90-meter throw of the season in the third round, which Chopra was unable to match.

Chopra's performance on Thursday night demonstrated that he was in terrific shape, with the javelin event at the World Championships in Oregon only three weeks away. He recorded 84.37, 87.46, 84.77, 86.67, and 86.84 meters after his national record-breaking throw.

Chopra has now competed in three competitions prior to the World Championships. 

He exhibited no indications of discomfort following a mishap on the runway at his previous tournament, the Kuortane Games, in Stockholm. Chopra won gold at Kuortane with a throw of 86.69 under slick circumstances. He had winced in agony after the slide, but he appeared in fine form in Stockholm.

Julian Weber of Germany finished third with a throw of 89.08 meters. The Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch and Vitezslav Vesely finished fourth and seventh, respectively, on the podium at the Tokyo Olympics.

Another of Chopra's rivals, Finland's Oliver Helander, who had defeated him in the Paavo Nurmi Games, had only one legal throw of 85.46 meters before fouling the next two.

Chopra had stated on the eve of his first Diamond League tournament in over four years that his main goals were the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Diamond League. Chopra is presently fourth in the Diamond League standings after finishing second and collecting seven points. Before the final in Zurich in September, he has Monaco and Lausanne lined up.

The competitor with the most points at the completion of the Diamond League cycle, which includes four men's javelin events and the final in Zurich, receives a diamond trophy and $40,000. Above all, the Diamond League Champion earns the distinction of being the most consistent athlete.

Chopra had competed in seven Diamond League events before to Stockholm but had yet to place in the top three. He has qualified for the final twice before, finishing seventh (83.30m) in 2017 and fourth (85.87m) the following year.

Chopra stated of breaking the 90-meter barrier before his season started in Turku, "I want to give my best." Overall, global competitiveness is improving. However, it all depends on the day. The way the throwers deal with the weather and conditions is significant since it has an impact. My goal is to run it (90 meters) in one of the tournaments. I'm not going to leave any stone unturned."