Team Kenya is preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with athletes expressing motivation and readiness to compete for medals. The team received a rallying call to compete with pride and discipline as they head into the upcoming games.
Among the key athletes is javelin thrower Julius Yego, who is set to make what he anticipates will be his final appearance at the Commonwealth Games. Yego, a veteran of four previous Commonwealth Games, is aiming for a strong finish in Glasgow, a city where he previously secured a gold medal.
Yego’s Commonwealth Games Journey
Julius Yego‘s journey in the Commonwealth Games began in 2010 in New Delhi, India, where he finished seventh overall with a throw of 69.60m. His most notable performance came in 2014 in Glasgow, where he won gold with an 83.87m throw. This victory marked his maiden Commonwealth Games title.
In 2018, at the Gold Coast Games, Yego faced a challenging campaign, failing to advance past the qualifying rounds after a 74.55m throw. However, he rebounded at the most recent games in Birmingham, England, securing a bronze medal with a mark of 85.70m. In that event, Pakistan‘s Arshad Nadeem won gold with 90.18m, and Grenada‘s Anderson Peters took silver with 88.64m.
Yego has expressed excitement about returning to Glasgow, citing his special connection with the city. He believes his preparations have gone well and is hopeful for a significant throw at the games. He noted, “I was in Glasgow in 2014, and I won, so I am going back to pick it up from there.”
Competition and Expectations
The javelin thrower acknowledges the high level of competition expected in Glasgow. He highlighted that the top five javelin throwers this year are from Commonwealth countries, indicating an increased competitive standard. Yego mentioned several leading contenders, including Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka, the world number one, 2020 Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra of India, Keshorn Walcott, and Anderson Peters.
Yego anticipates that throws exceeding 90 metres will be necessary to contend for gold, describing the event as a “mini Olympics” for men’s javelin. He remains optimistic about his performance, stating, “I feel there is a throw that hasn’t come this season, but maybe at the Commonwealth Games.”
Recent Season Performance
Yego’s 2026 season has seen him achieve continental gold at the African Athletics Championships in Ghana in May. He opened his season at the Kip Keino Classic on April 24, finishing fourth with a throw of 79.87m. In that event, Pathirage secured first place with 89.28m, followed by Germany‘s Thomas Röhler with 83.33m, and South Africa‘s Douw Smit with 81.19m.
He further extended his record at the African Championships with a winning throw of 79.87m, ahead of Ethiopia‘s Otag Ubang (77.62m) and Smit (76.00m). While he has maintained good health, his performances on the Diamond League circuit this season include a fifth-place finish in Rabat with 80.59m on May 31, seventh in Rome with 79.89m on June 4, and sixth in Doha with 82.22m on June 19.
His most recent competitive outing was at the Commonwealth Games trials on June 20, where he topped the standings with a throw of 77.39m, ahead of Alex Kiprotich (76.19m) and Methusellah Kiprop (74.48m). The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to run from Thursday, 23 July to Sunday, 2 August.
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Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
