By Sam Felton
The men’s javelin throw at the Prefontaine Classic posed two friendly foes against each other, each attempting to put his country on the global map for javelin while also gaining momentum for the upcoming Olympics.
There had been 31 javelin tosses before Egypt’s Ihab Abdelrahman launched his second-to-last throw of 286 feet, 8 inches (87.37 meters), which would eventually give him the victory. This mark gave Abdelrahman the new Hayward Field record, breaking Breaux Greer’s previous mark of 279 feet, 7 inches, in 2001.
“It’s a great competition. It’s amazing. If I throw good now, I start to prepare for the Olympics,” Abdelrahmen said. “Julius is great opponent. I know we will meet again.”
Julius Yego of Kenya made his United States debut, finishing second with a toss of 277 feet, 10 inches. Yego, a distance runner growing up, opted to take a different path after he was lapped in a meet at age 13.
“I saw some guys throwing a javelin at school and thought I’d give it a shot,” he said. “Turns out I was pretty good and just went for it.”
Yego studied videos of Olympic champion and newly retired javelin thrower Andreas Thorkildsen, emulating his style.
Yego and Abdelrahman have developed a friendly rivalry which runs deeper than most. Abdelrahman’s coach, Petteri Piironen, met Yego at the 2012 London Olympic Games and offered his guidance and tutelage. Although Yego trains alone, he still accepts input from Piironen and has encountered Abdelrahman frequently in events.
The lone American in the event was Oregon alum and Newberg native Cyrus Hostetler. Finishing fifth and just missing the final rounds, Hostetler was pleased with his performance but knows he has room to improve before the Olympic trials in July.
“I got the standard last week, so that changes my game plan a little,” he said. “But I’ll head back to the Olympic training center in Chula Vista and really hunker down and train. The trials are all that matter to me right now.”
A two-time Pac-10 champion, Hostetler has been battling injuries but finally feels healthy enough to compete at a high level. Representing America was also a humbling experience for Hostetler. “You have to be the top American to get into it,” he said. “I tried to show Americans my skills because it’s my home turf and everyone was rooting for me.”
The 6-4 Abdelrahman sprinted out the exit of the media zone, possibly to watch his favorite soccer team, Real Madrid, win the UEFA Champions League in penalty kicks just 30 minutes after winning his own event.
