Two Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra had to content himself with a runner-up position yet again in the Diamond League Finals, as Germany's Julian Weber displayed a dominating performance with two 90m-plus efforts to win his first trophy on Thursday.
Weber marked his supremacy early in the competition, opening with a strong 91.37m throw before improving it with a season-best and best-ever 91.57m attempt on his second shot. The rest of the other athletes were left seeking his mark, with no one of the six men coming within six meters of the German's dominating throws.
The 30-year-old then added 83.66m, 86.45m, and 88.66m in a series of throws that completed one of the best sets of his career. It was also Weber's third season-opening 90m-plus throw, highlighting his emergence as one of the world's strongest javelin throwers.
Chopra, who was seeking a second Diamond League title following his 2022 victory, was unable to get into his stride. His round consisted of throws of 84.35m, 82m, foul, foul, and ultimately 85.01m, which put him into second position in the last but one round.
The final throw proved enough to pip 2012 Olympic champion Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott, who took third position with 84.95m.
Though consistent at the international level, Chopra has now been runner-up at the Diamond League Finals for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025). His personal best of 90.23m set earlier this year in Doha is still a benchmark in his career, but he was unable to recreate that magic in Eugene.
Reigning title holder Anderson Peters of Grenada, who has long been Chopra's toughest opponent, was unable to give his best on the day. He registered a modest 82.06m, finishing fourth in a field of seven.
For Chopra, it was a remarkably quiet performance. Famous for consistently going past the 88m mark, the 27-year-old Indian managed to cross 85m only once throughout the competition.
While Weber was basking in the biggest win of his career, Chopra will now move on to next month's World Championships in Tokyo, where he will be the defending champion.
Chopra's consistent performances, even on a bad day, still highlight his position as one of the sport's most consistent competitors in world athletics. Fans and pundits alike will be hoping he gets back to form as he attempts to claim another global medal to his illustrious career.
