Neeraj recently overtook the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt to become the most-talked-about athlete for the very first time in 2022. India’s Javelin Throw champion Neeraj Chopra has attracted attention from around the world. He has established himself as India’s athletics face and is already a household name there. Neeraj recently overtook the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt to become the most-talked-about athlete for the very first time in 2022.
Neeraj, who is now 24 years old, had an incredible year competing in the javelin throw. He came in second place at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon. Became only the second Indian to win a medal at this level, after Anju Bobby George in 2003. Who took home a bronze medal in the women’s long jump. With a massive throw of 88.44 meters, he also became the first Indian athlete to win the Diamond League final in the javelin. He won the gold medal.
World Athletics, citing data from media analysis company Unicepta, says that Neeraj has 812 articles. More than Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and a trio of Jamaican women sprint stars with 751 articles. 698 articles, and 679 articles, respectively, with Bolt appearing in 574 articles. When asked about the issue, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe stated, “2022 looks and feels very different to me.”
“It’s a fascinating one. In a briefing for international media, Coe stated, “For the first time this year, Usain Bolt has not led the list of the most written-about athletes of the year.” Coe also talked about Bolt’s contribution to athletics after he retired, pointing out how important it was for him to promote the sport even though he was involved in several sponsorship and publicity deals.
According to Coe, “He (Bolt) did a lot of work around Tokyo (the Olympics the previous year), and he has been there and thereabouts for Diamond League events.” “I know the men who work alongside him, and he has contracts that cover a large area and is very busy commercially. Although there are limits, the more time you spend with Usain, the better,” he stated.