Rumesh Pathirage at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 (© Getty Images)
Rumesh Pathirage capped a stunning breakthrough season to win the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 on Sunday (13).
The Sri Lankan has been the dominant force in the discipline this year, winning 11 of his 12 competitions before heading to Budapest. Prior to winning the Diamond League Final, he had thrown a world-leading 92.62m in Rome and backed it up with a 92.07m victory in Zurich.
The pre-competition favourite got off to an inauspicious start in Budapest, though, opening with 75.89m. European champion Julian Weber impressed with his first throw, which landed comfortably beyond the 80-metre line and was measured at 84.09m.
The German’s lead didn’t last long, though, as two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada threw 86.18m in round two. Weber responded with 85.89m, an improvement on his first throw, but remained in second. Pathirage came to life in that round, too, throwing 85.69m.
The Sri Lankan improved again in the third round, sending his spear out to 87.11m to take the lead. Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem threw a season’s best of 81.49m in that round, but it was only enough for fifth place, meaning he didn’t qualify for the fourth and final round.
Pathirage was first to throw in the final round and his javelin soared out to 91.09m – the first 90-metre throw ever achieved in Hungary. Peters ended his series with 82.63m and Weber threw 78.75m, meaning Pathirage’s victory was secured.
“This was my one and only goal – to bring the trophy back to Sri Lanka,” said Pathirage. “I faced a lot of challenges today but I was still hoping to win and I'm proud I did it. I was never thinking about the prize money and I don't have any idea yet how I will spend it. Sri Lankan athletes have won two Olympic medals so far and my next goal is to bring the Olympic gold medal home.”
Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics
