Javelin star Yego plots comeback, laments coachs absence at Games

African and Commonwealth Games javelin record holder Julius Yego has set his sight on posting a stellar performance at the 21st CAA African Senior Athletics Championships that will take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Nigeria from August 1-5, 2018.

A series of niggling injuries saw the 29-year old miss out on winning gold in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a hoodoo that followed him to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast,  Australia where he finished 13th.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, a buoyant Yego said he is confident of coming full circle in his road to recovery.

“I’ve been having issues with my injury but I think it is getting away. I have really worked hard with the physiotherapist and I feel good because I don’t have any issue now.”

‘Hopefully, it will get away now since it’s been almost a year that I have struggled with it but am positive all will be well.”

Having performed dismally in recent championships, “The You Tube Man”, as he is known amongst his fan base is keen to use the Asaba Championship to rediscover his world-conquering form that saw him make the third longest throw in the javelin history in the 2015 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championship in Beijing China.

He followed that with a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics despite retiring after only one throw because of a groin injury.

“My focus now is on Asaba and then the continental championships,” he asserted.

At the same time, Yego has blamed the absence of his coach during the games as another reason for his dwindling fortunes.

“I did not go with my couch when we went for the Commonwealth Games early this year and the same has happened. Honestly, I’m not aware of what is going on.

“You know sometimes it sounds ridiculous when you train with your coach from Monday to Friday only for them to disappear during the games.  I always wonder what is happening.

“But I don’t because I’m not the one to make such decisions. But it’s okay. I will there and try my best and try to do what my coach has taught me.”

With adequate preparations, Yego is adamant that he will turn a page from his recent travails and return to winning ways.

The 2018 CAA Africa Senior Championships will officially kick off on Wednesday,  August 1,2018 with the opening ceremony, and will culminate on Sunday, 5 August.