Neeraj Chopra's ex-coach key reason behind Keshorn Walcott's comeback gold, decision to part ways backfires
Posted on: Sep 18, 2025 19:16 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
If i nearly observed Keshorn Walcott's pre-World Athletics Championships preparations, so his atomic number 79 medal in the men's javelin flip final won't come as a surprise. The Trinidadian athlete eased past all his opponents, including Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, taking first place with a best throw of 88.16m. The win saw him claim his first global title since his 2012 Olympic gold, which he clinched as a teenager. Heralded as a one-time wonder, the 32-year-old has been working with Neeraj's former coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz.
The duo began working together virtually in October 2024, communicating via video calls and sharing training data. It wasn't until two weeks before the Doha Diamond League this year, that they met in person for the first time, and soon, Walcott relocated to Germany to train near Bartonietz's home.
Bartonietz and Neeraj parted ways on October 1 last year. He took over as Neeraj's coach after he parted ways with another German, javelin legend Uwe Hohn.
Under Bartonietz, Chopra grew in stature and evolved into a world-class athlete. He won gold at Tokyo Olympics 2020, a Diamond League title in 2022 and gold medals at the World C'ships and Asian Games in 2023. He also bagged silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2022 World C'ships.
Speaking to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday recently, Walcott said, "His background is biomechanics, so his approach to training is completely different from what I’ve experienced in the past couple of years. It’s more quality-focused — short and to the point."
"My throw sessions are now averaged under 20 javelin throws. It took a bit of getting used to, especially mentally, because you have to trust the coach and trust your mind."
"When I began to give him 100 per cent was after Doha, when I realised I could get results. Now that I’ve given him full trust, I think we see a lot of potential moving forward," he added.
It looks like Walcott's decision is working and Bartonietz has made him better. The German biomechanics expert was also present at the stadium, as Walcott went past the likes of Neeraj, Arshad and Julian Weber to take gold.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.