Rio Champ Röhler Begins Olympic Comeback Trail at Neeraj Chopra Classic

Thomas Röhler, the Rio 2016 Olympic javelin champion, is set to compete at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5th, reigniting his aspirations for future Olympic glory. This marks a significant step in his journey back to the top after a challenging period.

When Thomas Röhler won Olympic gold at Rio in 2016, the javelin throw world was very different to what it is today. The final had eight Europeans out of the 12 competitors. The next two Olympic champions have been from South Asia including, in 2021, Neeraj Chopra - the man at whose tournament Rohler will compete in on July 5, at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru.

However, the Röhler of today is different from the athlete who dominated the late 2010s, consistently surpassing the 90m mark. A severe back injury in 2020 sidelined him, preventing him from defending his Olympic title in Tokyo. Since 2021, he has participated in 21 events, only exceeding 80m in three of them.

Despite these setbacks, the 33-year-old athlete is determined to revive his career, setting his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

"My main target is 2028, the Olympics," Röhler told ESPN. "Coming from the Olympic background, the Olympics are definitely the one thing that motivates me. It's only my own body and my own responsibility that could say no to that plan."

While acknowledging the increasingly global nature of javelin throwing, highlighted by the success of Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, Röhler believes the field is stronger overall. He recognizes the need to consistently throw in the high 80s to remain competitive.

Currently, Röhler is focused on improving his speed and run-up, remaining optimistic and grateful to be back on the track.

Beyond his Olympic aspirations, Röhler's motivation stems from his passion for javelin throwing.

"I just enjoy the sport. Ups and downs are part of the process," he stated. "Coming from the role as an Olympic champion, you can always have an impact and print a positive footprint on a global basis. For me, competing is a way of expression of sports. It is pure joy. I love the fact that I am getting back on track, that I can compete with the best in the world again."

In recent years, Röhler has expanded his horizons beyond athletics, engaging in online coaching, brand endorsements, and business workshops, sharing Olympic values with a wider audience.

Röhler emphasizes the importance of a balanced life for young athletes, advocating for education and activities outside of sports to mitigate risks and prevent burnout.

He also applies his entrepreneurial mindset to working with brands and sponsors, a path he envisioned early in his career.

Despite the long road to Los Angeles 2028, Röhler's passion for javelin throwing remains unwavering, offering valuable lessons to younger athletes. His message is clear: "Never stop changing."