logo

Yego happy to take underdog tag to Paris Games

Yego has been fine-tuning his skills at Team Kenya's training base in Miramas, southern France, since June 11.

image
by MUIGAI KIGURU

Sports01 August 2024 - 02:00

In Summary


  • • Qualifying for the Games is an achievement big enough for the javelin throw pioneer, insisting he feels relaxed. 
  • • In addition to the Rio 2016 silver, the 35-year-old has a world title from Beijing 2015, a Commonwealth gold from Glasgow 2014 and bronze at Birmingham 2022.
Julius Yego during a train8ng session

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games silver medallist Julius Yego says he is under no pressure as he features at his fourth Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

Yego has been fine-tuning his skills at Team Kenya's training base in Miramas, southern France, since June 11.

The National Police Service officer couldn't have had a better run-up to the Games. "It (Miramas camp) was wonderful. The first few days were challenging due to the language barrier since the coach seconded to me is French. We had to use Google Translate until my coach touched down," he said.

"The facilities are top-notch and I feel good and ready for the qualification rounds."

Qualifying for the Games is an achievement big enough for the javelin throw pioneer, insisting he feels relaxed.

"I am under no pressure whatsoever. After an indifferent season, I feel I am an underdog heading for the Games, which puts me in a good place, mentally,” he said. "I am nowhere close to the favourites, which is good."

Yego believes whatever happens in Paris will be worth the effort but a gold medal will be a perfect send-off as he heads for retirement.

"I am among a few veterans who have been to the Games four times. I will try and enjoy the competition even as I target the final," he said.

In addition to the Rio 2016 silver, the 35-year-old has a world title from Beijing in 2015, a Commonwealth gold from Glasgow in 2014 and a bronze at Birmingham in 2022.

He is a record five-time African champion and two-time African Games champion.


logo© The Star 2024. All rights reserved