Arshad Nadeem shatters Olympic javelin record to end Pakistan’s 36 years drought

No money, an almost broken javelin and running pillar to post for some support, Arshad Nadeem did everything he could to represent Pakistan at the Paris Olympics. On Thursday night, Nadeem became an Olympic champion in the truest form. He beat all the odds, clinching the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw event at the Paris Olympics. And he did that in style, shattering the 16-year-old Olympic record with a monstrous throw of 92.97 meters.

But it was not just once, he broke the record Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen set with 90.57m in Beijing 2008 twice. In his 2nd attempt, Arshad Nadeem broke the Olympic record and then he again sent the javelin past 91.79m. In fact, his two throws were worthy of Gold and Silver medals alone.

It came down to the India vs Pakistan rivalry at the Olympic stage, but Arshad pipped defending Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who could manage 89.45m, also in his second attempt.

Arshad Nadeem, new Olympic champion

Not many would have thought Arshad Nadeem could land a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, let alone create a new Olympic record. He was struggling to meet his ends and had just one javelin to practice with.

However, with support from the Pakistan cricket fraternity, especially PSL franchise Multan Sultans, he fought back. He bagged a silver medal in the World Championships and gold in the Commonwealth Games to warm up for the Olympics.

What have you done, Nadeem?

– 1st Pakistan to break an Olympic record
– 1st individual Olympic gold medallist
– 1st Olympic medal for Pakistan since 1988
– 1st Pakistani gold medallist since 1984
– First gold medal in athletics for Pakistan
– Only 4th athlete to throw over 90m in Olympic final

And boy he did. His massive throw was just a reminder of his sheer talent and that he could light up the world stage.

If nobody betters the throw, he will bag the first individual gold medal for Pakistan. It will also be Pakistan’s first medal since 1988 and its first gold medal since 1984.

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