2015 world champion Julius Yego admits that he is too chubby.
Julius Yego suffers from weight problems. PASI LEISMA
Petteri Piironen coached Julius Yegon javelin world champion in 2015.
At that time, the Kenyan was muscular, but not overweight.
Seven years later, Yego, 33, suffers from weight problems.
– I have clearly gained weight. Of course, it’s a problem that I haven’t been able to keep my weight under control, Yego said after the World Cup qualifying competition in Eugene.
Piironen commented on the situation of his ex-protégé at Iltalehti’s request.
– The standard of living is okay. He has been able to support himself, his wife and his children through sports, so that is of course a good thing, the Finn begins.
Finnish time, in the World Cup qualifier, which was thrown the night before Friday, Yego scored 79.60, and did not make it to the final of the top 12.
– Yes, Julius can throw a spear, but his leg does not move as well as at his best. He tried to run harder in the last qualifying throw, but when the weight is in that category and you forcefully try to go hard, your coordination doesn’t come into play and the pack doesn’t stay together.
The Kenyan’s career has been downhill in recent seasons. The previous crossing of 85 meters is from the 2019 season.
This season has gone 80.62.
Yego said he is trying to get his weight under control by next year’s World Championships in Budapest.
– When you take ten kilos off, you can very well become an 85-meter thrower, Piironen estimates.
The Finnish and Kenyan coaching relationship ended in 2016.
Petteri Piironen and Julius Yego in front of the Beijing Olympic Stadium at the 2015 World Championships. Mika heather