India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra and his long-time coach Klaus Bartonietz of Germany recently parted ways. The 75-year-old Bartonietz, feeling the effects of age, wanted to spend time with his family, which ultimately forced him to step down. Now, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is looking for a new coach, not just for Neeraj Chopra but for the entire Indian javelin team.
According to media reports, the AFI has shortlisted former Russian javelin player Sergey Makarov as the new coach for India’s javelin throwers.
Who’s Sergey Makarov?
Sergey Makarov is a celebrated Russian javelin thrower known for his remarkable achievements in athletics. He has won numerous prestigious medals, including bronze medals at the Summer Olympics in 2000 and 2004, making him a two-time Olympic medalist and showcasing the pinnacle of his career.
In between the two Olympics, in 2003, he clinched gold at the World Athletics Championships, further establishing his reputation as one of the best in the field. Makarov also holds the Russian national record for javelin throw, with an impressive personal best of 92.61 meters.
Sergey Makarov’s coaching
Sergey Makarov comes from a family of javelin throwers. His father, Aleksandr, who was also his coach, won the silver medal in the javelin throw at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Sergey Makarov’s coaching career is relatively less publicised compared to his active throwing days, but growing up in a javelin family, he is well-versed in the technicalities of the game.
Challenges for Sergey Makarov
While coaching Neeraj Chopra, Sergey Makarov’s biggest challenges will be managing Neeraj’s endurance and preventing overtraining and injuries. The coach’s primary goal will be to help Neeraj achieve the elusive 90m mark. Since Sergey himself faced setbacks in reaching the 90m mark with his father’s guidance, he will be well-equipped to assist Neeraj in his long-term pursuit of that milestone.
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