Jan Zelezny en route to bronze in Gothenburg (© Getty Images)
No, it wasn’t exactly the way javelin legend Jan Zelezny wanted to take his final bow at a major competition, but at 40 years of age, the World record holder was certainly content that he wouldn’t be leaving Gothenburg empty-handed.
“I was thinking when coming to the stadium that 85 (metres) would be enough for a medal,” Zelezy said. “That was a good prediction.”
With his opening round 85.92 throw, the Czech set the tone for the competition, and in the end, his effort would be good enough for the bronze.
“I risked it all on my first throw and the tactics paid off,” Zelezny said, adding that his podium finish underscored his pre-season promise to be a viable threat for a medal in Gothenburg. "I’m also happy because some people didn’t trust in me and I showed them that despite my age I can still throw with the younger boys.”
While he doesn’t like admitting it, nearly two decades worth of rigourous training and competition, fatigue, and a long string of injuries caught up with him later in the competition, failing to even remotely match his big throw. “On maybe two other throws I tried very hard, maybe too much,” he said.
After capping a stellar career which included three Olympic and three World titles with a second European bronze, Zelezny said that he was thrilled to be in a competition with the event’s next generation, one through which he plans to vicariously enjoy the sport for years to come.
“I’m very glad that Andreas [Thorkildsen] and Tero [Pitkamaki] competed well, because it’s very good for the javelin, and it's very good for our sport.”
Thorkildsen, who succeeded Zelezny as Olympic champion, won the competition with an 88.78 throw, while Pitkamaki took his first major medal with an 86.44 effort.
“I think they can both throw much farther than they’re throwing now. Maybe even a World record. I’m looking forward to watching them now. It’s good for me, and good for the javelin.”
His successors too were honoured to share the podium with their event’s elder statesman.
Thorkildsen, who was barely a teenager when Zelezny won his first Olympic title in Atlanta, said he never counted the Czech out. “I already said two days ago that Jan could be part of the medal stand, and I’m very happy tat he did.”
Pitkamaki, just 22, is apparently still in awe of the grand old man. At the post-event press conference, the shy Finn politely asked Zelezny for his autograph. Zelezny of course, obliged.
Much has been made of Zelezny’s age, and he now knows that it’s time to officially patch the torch.
“I don’t feel 40 years old, but I do feel a little bit older than some of these throwers,” he joked. “I represent the older generation, and next time I’ll be happy to just watch the younger generation.”
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF