1. JULIUS YEGO
Photo Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)
Photo Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)

Fondly referred to as the ‘YouTube Man’ having honed his Javelin skills through YouTube videos, Kenya’s Yego cemented his place in African history by becoming the first man from the continent to win an Olympic medal in the event.

Despite having a lackluster season, the reigning World Champion was gunning for GOLD in Brazil, and his first attempt saw him recording a mark of 88.24m, which put him in the lead. However he picked up an ankle injury during his second attempt, and had to be wheeled away for treatment.

Thomas Rohler is flanked by Silver and Bronze medallists Julius Yego and Keshorn Walcott. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Thomas Rohler is flanked by Silver and Bronze medallists Julius Yego and Keshorn Walcott. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Nevertheless, his first throw still dominated the first three rounds and was eventually good enough for Silver, as Germany’s Thomas Rohler’s won GOLD with a distance of 90.30m. He later came out to say that injury was not as bad as he feared, and thanked his fans for their support:

“It was that painful but I thank God it is not serious as I thought. I’m gonna be back stronger guys. Love you all my fans wherever you are, your tremendous support can’t never go unnoticed. You always cheer me up even in hard times! God bless you all.”

The Commonwealth Champion will be looking forward to defending his World title at the London 2017 World Championships, and will be hoping to make amends for his 2nd place finish in Rio by then.

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Yemi Galadima is a Senior Sportswriter and Editor at Making of Champions. She has a bias for Athletics and was previously a Sports Reporter at the National Mirror, where she hosted a weekly column ‘On the Track with Yemi Olus’ for over two years. A self-acclaimed ‘athletics junkie’, she has covered national and international events live, such as the African Athletics Championships, African Games, Olympics and World Athletics Championships. She also freelances for World Athletics.

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