The 2016 Olympic silver medallist Julius Yego has described his quest to qualify for the Paris Olympics as one of the toughest challenges in his javelin throw career.
The 'YouTube Man' fell short of the 85.50m Olympic standard during the qualifying period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
However, he clinched his spot in Paris through the rankings where the top 32 throwers are eligible for Paris. He is 20th globally with 1210 points.
In a statement on his Facebook account, the 36-year-old radiated excitement after securing his place for a historic fourth Olympic appearance.
"The road to Paris has been incredibly tough for me. I'm thrilled to have made the cut through the world rankings. God made it happen and I'm so grateful," Yego said.
“An injury in April at the Kip Keino classic dimmed my dreams of competing in my fourth Olympics,” Yego added.
Yego saluted his family, 2008 Olympic 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop and AK Youth and Development Chair Barnaba Korir for their unwavering support during his rough patch.
"My supporters' encouragement, especially from my family, who prayed and cheered me on, was invaluable. Special thanks to Kiprop for his support and encouragement and to Korir for providing me with essential training equipment," added the 2015 world champion.
He is now focused on delivering in Paris.
"Now, it's down to the challenging task ahead as part of Team Kenya. I'll give my best at this historic fourth Olympics," he concluded.
Yego made his Olympics debut at London 2012, finishing 11th with a throw of 77.15m.
He captured silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics with an 88.24m throw, trailing Germany's Thomas Rohler (90.30m).
At the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he placed 24th with a throw of 77.34m.
