New Delhi: Eighteen years ago, a newly retired Jan Železný had spoken extensively about what he was looking ahead to in his new role of a javelin coach. Throughout his sporting career, the Czech legend was largely self-taught, with his coaches serving as advisors.
“Coaching was a theme of great interest for me,” he told Track and Field News in 2006. “I think I can teach young throwers good technical ability, show them how to throw and give them some of my experience after 20 years at the top level. But any coach needs to be lucky to find the right talent.”
His wish, as well as his new understudy’s, may have come true. Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra will now be coached by the 58-year-old, who holds the men’s javelin record with a mark of 98.48 m.
ThePrint presents the exploits and other achievements of the new coach whose responsibility will include, among others, help Chopra cross the psychological barrier of crossing the 90 metre-mark.
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Regarded as the greatest javelin thrower of the modern era, Železný boasts three consecutive Olympic gold medals (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000). He also has a silver from 1988 Olympics held in Seoul.
Železný’s impressive résumé also includes the World Championships record of 92.80 m, achieved in 2001. He alone has 7 of history’s 10 longest throws—including the top 5—and 12 of the leading 20.
Notably, he threw javelin over 90 m five times in a single event in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on 26 March 1997. Until September 2020, Železný held the distinction of being the only athlete to surpass 95 m with the new javelin type, achieving this feat three times.
Železný’s storied career was defined by intense rivalries with the greatest javelin throwers of his era, including Steve Backley, Sergey Makarov, Boris Henry, Seppo Räty, Raymond Hecht, and Aki Parviainen.
At the 2000 Sydney Games, Backley was Železný’s main rival, but the Czech produced his best when it mattered. He set a new Olympic record of of 90.17 m to beat Backley and emerge triumphant. This made him the only javelin thrower in Olympic history to win three gold medals and four total medals.
Železný’s greatness extends beyond his athletic prowess. In 2001, two years after being appointed as an athlete representative and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, he selflessly vacated his title prioritising the greater good over personal prestige.
“To be a valuable member, I would need to travel and attend various conferences and meetings. I deeply respect the Olympic movement, and this step aligns with its values. The IOC deserves someone who can actively contribute and make a meaningful impact,” he had said.
Železný’s coaching credentials are equally impressive. He previously guided Czech athletes to podium finishes, including Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch and bronze winner Vítezslav Vesely. His impressive coaching resume also includes mentoring two-time Olympic and three-time world champion Barbora Špotáková.
According to the Czech Athletics Federation website, Neeraj Chopra will train with Zelezny for the next two years and not the entire Olympic cycle.
“We are getting to know each other more closely and will start in person at a traditional winter camp in South Africa. I believe in his progress, especially in the technical aspect, so that he can continue achieving top positions at the main championships,” Železný said, expressing optimism about his new partnership with the Indian javelin star.
Chopra had recently shared a heartfelt tribute to Jan Železný on social media, highlighting the legendary coach’s profound influence on his early career.
He didn't know it then, but #NeerajChopra's new coach Jan Železný played a small role in his Gold medal triumph at #Tokyo2020. Watch how! 💪
📹: YouTube #CraftingVictories 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/HF5KYvsORt
— Inspire Institute of Sport (@IIS_Vijayanagar) November 9, 2024
“When I searched for the javelin world record on YouTube, I stumbled upon Železný’s clips,” Chopra recalled. “Kya gazab ka athlete hai! (What a wonderful athlete!) His world record throw of 98.48m left me in awe. I was hooked; I wanted to emulate him,” he said.
Commenting on Železný’s well-drilled throwing technique, Chopra marvelled: “His smooth run-up, incredible cross-leg action, attack, and blocking leg – it was perfection.” This admiration became a daily ritual: “Železný, YouTube, and me!”
“During the Tokyo 2020 final, Železný was sitting right behind me, coaching the silver and bronze medallists. Unbeknownst to him, he played a role in my medal too, inspiring me from afar,” he said.
Neeraj Chopra’s 2025 agenda is ambitious. Recuperating from his injuries, the Indian javelin thrower will defend his world title in Tokyo and aim to break the 90m mark. In Paris, Chopra took silver in the men’s javelin final with a throw of 89.45m, coming second to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem who took gold with an Olympic record of 92.97m.
To achieve this, the 26-year-old will be working on his fitness, benefiting from Železný’s guidance. His season will also feature appearances in the Diamond League series, where he’ll face top-level competition.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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