The partnership was hugely successful, leading to two Olympics medals — including gold at Tokyo 2020 — as well as two Asian Games golds, and a World Championship gold. (Screengrabs/Neeraj Chopra X)
In an emotional parting message, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra confirmed he is parting ways with his long-time coach Klaus Bartonietz, who is set to retire and return home to Germany.
The partnership was hugely successful, leading to two Olympics medals — including gold at Tokyo 2020 — as well as two Asian Games golds, and a World Championship gold.
“Coach, you are more than just a mentor to me. Everything you taught has helped me grow both as an athlete and person. You have gone out of your way to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared for every competition. You stood by me through injury,” Neeraj wrote in a post on X. “You were there through the highs, and you were there even more through the lows. You were one of the quietest in the stands, but your words to me rang the loudest in my ears when I threw. I will miss the pranks and the laughs we shared, but more than anything, I will miss US as a team.”
I write this without knowing where to begin.
Coach, you are more than just a mentor to me. Everything you taught has helped me grow both as an athlete and person. You have gone out of your way to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared for every competition. You stood… pic.twitter.com/kJxaPqmHmm
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) November 6, 2024
“Thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of yours,” the Paris silver medallist added.
The 75-year-old had first been hired by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in 2019 as a biomechanical expert, and he later became Neeraj’s coach after a fallout between his previous coach, Uwe Hohn, and the AFI.
The Indian Express had reported last month that the partnership was set to come to an end. “He is returning to his hometown in mid-October. Till May 2022, he was also involved in coaching other javelin athletes also and also conducting courses for javelin coaches. The reason is that he is nearly 76 years old and he wants to stay with his family. He was not willing to continue after 2021 but we requested him and he agreed. But this time he is going back,” AFI chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair had said.
Bartonietz’s last competition with Neeraj was at the Diamond League final in Brussels earlier this year, in which the Indian javelin thrower finished second.
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