Max Dehning has made waves following his stunning performance at the German Winter Throwing Championships last week by becoming the youngest in men’s javelin throw history to cross the magical mark of 90m. He thus broke the nearly eight-year-long record held by India superstar, also the reigning Olympic and world champion, Neeraj Chopra who had thrown 86.48m at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships.
Interestingly, Neeraj is yet to cross 90m having come close with a personal best throw of 89,94m at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League. With just few months to go for the Paris Olympics, it does set the stage for a potential mouthwatering showdown between the two.
Dehning, who turned 19 last September, has high respect for Neeraj and is looking forward to competing with the Indian.
“I haven’t met Neeraj Chopra yet, but it would definitely be very cool if I could meet him,” Dehning told Sportstar. “I have the greatest respect for Neeraj and am already looking forward to the first competitions against him. I will give my best at the Olympics and I am looking forward to an exciting javelin final!”
Dehning’s breakthrough performance last Sunday catapulted him to global attention. However, he says the result is yet to sink in.
“People are asking me what I ate before the competition but the truth is I just had the hotel buffet,” Dehning said. “I didn’t set myself any real goals before the competition. I just wanted to see where I was in terms of performance and whether the training was working. I actually only realised (I had crossed 90m) when it was on the scoreboard. I realised when I threw it that it was a really long throw. But I didn’t expect this throw to fly 90 meters. I hadn’t really realised this result yet!”
Dehning has ambitions of becoming an Olympic champion feels breaking the world record of 98.48m set by Jan Zelezny is a ‘realistic goal’.
“In the next few years, my goals are to become an Olympic champion and to celebrate more throws over 90 meters,” he says.. “I think anything is possible and the world record in the men’s category is definitely a realistic goal for the next few years. If my development continues as it has in recent years, we can look forward to more successful competitions,” he said.
Dehning comes from a family of athletes. His father played handball at club level, his sister Marie is a European Junior heptathlon bronze medallist, mother was ‘involved in athletics and swimming’.
Dehning’s imposing physique does make him a natural but he knows there’s more to javelin throw than just sole reliance on power.
“I know I’m one of the stronger guys but strength isn’t everything. Speed is very important in javelin throwing and one of the most important basics, as we live from speed. I’m very fast in the short sprints of upto 30 meters. I’m not very good longer than that but that’s enough for the javelin throw. At the same time, I think my technique is very strong. I think that’s also because I have the ability to stay calm. When I’m under pressure, I’m able to just focus on my technique,” he said.
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