Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra once again underlined his remarkable consistency on the global stage, finishing second in the men’s javelin throw at the Diamond League Final in Zurich with a best effort of 85.01m.
His mark came on the very last attempt of the competition, sealing yet another podium finish for the Indian star. The evening, however, belonged to Germany’s Julian Weber, who delivered a career-defining performance. Weber threw 91.51m, the new world-leading mark of 2025, and added another 91m-plus throw before closing with 88.66m. It was an emphatic statement ahead of next month’s World Championships, and a timely reminder of the growing depth in the men’s javelin field.
Final Standings Zurich Diamond League Final 2025
- Julian Weber (GER) – 91.51m
- Neeraj Chopra (IND) – 85.01m
- Keshorn Walcott (TTO) – 84.95m
A Streak of Unmatched Consistency
For Neeraj, the Zurich result marked his 26th consecutive top-two finish since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In a sport where variables of weather, form, and physical strain can drastically alter outcomes, such consistency is extraordinary. From Diamond League meets to global championships, Neeraj has made the podium in every single competition he has entered for over four years. His record at the Diamond League Final in particular reflects his dominance and reliability:
- 2022 – Champion
- 2023 – Runner-up
- 2024 – Runner-up
- 2025 – Runner-up
That is four consecutive finals, four consecutive podiums.
Neeraj’s Take: “A Hard Day, But I Managed”
Speaking after the competition, Neeraj admitted it was not his best day.
“There is always a harder day in sports and it was a hard day for me today. I still managed in the last attempt to throw over 85m. But yeah, the timing was not so good today. The run-up was not so good. There was something I didn’t find today,” he said candidly. Even on an “off day,” Neeraj’s ability to find a big throw under pressure speaks volumes about his mental toughness and competitive instincts.
Beyond medals and records, Neeraj has redefined the sporting culture in India. A decade ago, few would have imagined that millions of Indians would be awake past midnight to follow a javelin competition live. Today, thanks to Neeraj, athletics and javelin in particular has become prime-time viewing in India. From inspiring children in rural fields to drawing packed stadiums and live TV audiences, Neeraj has built a sporting phenomenon that extends far beyond his personal achievements.
The Zurich Diamond League Final was the last major competition before the World Championships next month, where Weber’s form will make him the man to beat. For Neeraj, the focus will be on fine-tuning his run-up and rhythm, while continuing to trust the consistency that has defined his career.
At 27, Neeraj Chopra stands as much more than India’s first Olympic gold medalist in athletics he is the face of an entire sporting movement. And while Weber may have stolen the spotlight in Zurich with his 91.51m thunderbolt, Neeraj’s 26-event top-two streak is proof of something even rarer: sustained greatness.
