Neeraj Chopra pays heartfelt tribute to retiring coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra with coach Klaus Bartonietz (Image Credits: Neeraj Chopra/IG)
Neeraj Chopra with coach Klaus Bartonietz (Image Credits: Neeraj Chopra/Instagram)

Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra shared a heartfelt message on social media, bidding farewell to his coach Klaus Bartonietz, who is retiring from athletics. He confirmed the same on social media on Wednesday, November 6.

Neeraj expressed his gratitude towards Bartonietz in a warm and genuine message on X.

"I write this without knowing where to begin. Coach, you are more than just a mentor to me. Everything you taught has helped me grow both as an athlete and person. You have gone out of your way to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared for every competition. You stood by me through injury. You were there through the highs, and you were there even more through the lows," he wrote.
"You were one of the quietest in the stands, but your words to me rang the loudest in my ears when I threw. I will miss the pranks and the laughs we shared, but more than anything, I will miss US as a team. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of yours. 🙏 Happy retirement, coach," Neeraj added.

Bartonietz's impact on Neeraj Chopra's career

Bartonietz has played an instrumental role in Neeraj Chopra’s rise to the top, guiding him through some of the most crucial phases of his career. Known for his dedication and unyielding support, Bartonietz took on the role in 2019, stepping in during Neeraj's recovery from elbow surgery.

The 75-year-old German biomechanics expert brought technical expertise and a calming presence that helped Neeraj overcome physical and mental hurdles.

Bartonietz took over as Neeraj’s coach from Uwe Hohn, another renowned javelin coach, in 2019. Bartonietz assumed this role during a delicate phase in Neeraj's career, as the young athlete was undergoing rehabilitation after an elbow surgery. His biomechanical expertise and commitment to Neeraj’s development as an athlete and an individual contributed immensely to the Indian's growth and success.

Under Bartonietz's mentorship, Neeraj Chopra clinched several accolades, including his Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold and a silver at the 2024 Olympics. He also won two World Championship medals - a gold and a silver - along with an Asian Games gold and a Diamond League title, further establishing himself as one of the world's top javelin throwers.

Most recently, in what turned out to be his last competition under Bartonietz, Neeraj Chopra finished second in the Diamond League Finals in Brussels this year.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar
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